Bill > S5343

This bill, titled the "Military Leadership Removal Transparency Act of 2026," requires the Secretary of Defense to notify Congress within five days whenever a senior military officer, specifically a general or flag officer (meaning those holding the rank of general or admiral, lieutenant general or vice admiral), is removed from their position, reassigned, retires early, resigns, or otherwise departs before their expected tour of duty is completed. This notification requirement applies to officers in positions of significant responsibility or those designated by the Secretary of Defense. The bill defines "early departure" as leaving a post before a scheduled change of command, retirement, reassignment, end of a tour, or before a successor takes over, or if no date is set, within 24 months of assuming the role. The notification must include details about the officer, the action taken, its effective date, the stated reason, and whether any investigations were initiated. Furthermore, within 30 days, a more detailed report must be submitted, including a signed statement of the basis for the action, any findings from investigations, whether the officer had a chance to provide a statement, a certification that the action was not retaliatory, and whether senior military leaders recommended the action. This information can be submitted in a classified annex if necessary for national security, but an unclassified version with as much information as possible must also be provided. The bill clarifies that it does not limit the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief or the Secretary of Defense's authority to assign or relieve officers, but these actions will be subject to the new notification and reporting requirements.