This bill would block any new Pentagon COVID‑19 vaccine requirement unless Congress clearly authorizes it. It creates a way for service members to ask for fixes if they were discharged or punished for refusing the shot, and tells the military to keep unvaccinated members and treat them fairly in training and promotions.

Key points

• Who is affected: Current and former members of the Armed Forces who faced discipline or discharge for refusing a COVID‑19 vaccine; it applies even if they never asked for an exemption.
• No new mandate: The Department of Defense cannot issue a new COVID‑19 vaccine mandate unless Congress says so.
• No punishment for refusal: The Pentagon may not take negative action based only on refusing a COVID‑19 shot, and any discharge for that reason must be recorded as “honorable.”
• Fixing records and careers: Eligible members can apply to be reinstated to their highest rank, receive back pay and lost benefits, have vaccine‑related actions removed from their records, and count time away toward retirement pay.
• Fair treatment going forward: The military must try to keep unvaccinated members and give them equal chances to train, promote, and lead; vaccine status can be considered only for missions in countries that require it, and exemptions must be available for natural immunity, medical risks, or sincere religious beliefs.
• Bonuses: People who were separated for refusing the shot don’t have to repay bonuses; if they already repaid, they must be reimbursed.
• When/how: After the bill becomes law, members would apply through a Defense Department process to get these remedies.