H.R. 511In committeeSecurity & foreign affairs
Bill would restore rank, pay for troops discharged over vaccine refusal
Data as of July 11, 2026
The AMERICANS Act would correct records, restore rank and pay, and bar future vaccine mandates without Congress's approval.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to change discharge records to "honorable" for service members kicked out solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, and lets them apply for reinstatement at their previous rank with back pay and benefits restored. It also erases related negative marks, counts lost time toward retirement pay, and cancels or reimburses repaid enlistment bonuses. Any future vaccine mandate would require new congressional approval.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects current and former U.S. military members discharged, demoted, or penalized for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, and Department of Defense leadership, who would face new obligations to correct records and pay compensation.
Why does it matter?
The change would reverse penalties tied to a mandate Congress already lifted in 2022, altering military personnel records, retirement calculations, and financial obligations for both service members and the Department of Defense.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
Official title
AMERICANS Act
- Introduced:
- January 16, 2025
- Latest action:
- January 16, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.