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Protecting Service Members Refusing COVID-19 Vaccines: Honorable Discharge and Benefits

This bill aims to protect service members who refused COVID-19 vaccination. It ensures that their discharge from service will always be honorable and guarantees them full retirement pay and other benefits, such as educational assistance, regardless of their vaccination refusal.
Key points
Service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccination will receive an honorable discharge.
Those already discharged for this reason will have their discharge characterization upgraded to honorable.
These service members will not lose their right to retired pay or other benefits, including educational assistance.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_6288
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Process start date: 2021-12-14
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

To establish certain protections for members of the Armed Forces who refuse to receive vaccinations against COVID-19.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_6288.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-12-14.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccination will receive an honorable discharge.
  • Those already discharged for this reason will have their discharge characterization upgraded to honorable.
  • These service members will not lose their right to retired pay or other benefits, including educational assistance.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Security Benefits Health