National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day Established, Call for Justice
The U.S. Senate designates September 20, 2025, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day to honor their contributions and acknowledge past discriminatory policies. The resolution urges the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to rectify historical wrongs, ensure full access to benefits and healthcare, including gender-affirming care, and proactively engage with LGBTQ+ communities to secure their rightful entitlements.
Key points
Designation of September 20, 2025, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day.
Recognition and regret for harm caused by discriminatory policies like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and transgender service bans.
Urging the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to implement policy changes to restore justice and right wrongs caused by past discrimination.
Call for ensuring full access to healthcare, including gender-affirming care, for transgender veterans and servicemembers and their families.
Requirement for proactive outreach to LGBTQ+ servicemember and veteran communities to ensure access to benefits.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_SRES_408
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Process start date: 2025-09-18