Republicans Introduce Bill to Reinstate Service Members Fired Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Republicans Introduce Legislation to Reinstate Service Members Fired Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) have introduced the AMERICANS Act, a bill that would offer service members fired over the military's COVID-19 vaccine mandate a chance to get their jobs back and receive back pay.

The bill would also ban the Pentagon from instituting any additional COVID-19 vaccine mandates without congressional approval.

Reinstatement for service members discharged solely for refusing the COVID vaccine.

Credit for involuntary separation time towards retirement pay.

Restoration of rank for those demoted over the vaccine mandate.

Back pay and benefits for lost compensation due to demotion.

Restoration of discharge to "honorable" for those not rejoining service, restoring GI Bill and healthcare benefits.

In August 2021, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mandated COVID-19 vaccination for troops. This order was rescinded in January 2023 after lawmakers directed the Pentagon to do so.

Over 8,400 troops were separated during the mandate period, with thousands more seeking religious or medical exemptions.

Republicans have criticized the vaccine mandate and its impact on military morale and recruitment. They argue that the AMERICANS Act would provide remedies for service members punished for their convictions.

President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has also pledged to re-recruit those who left the military over the vaccine mandate.

Pentagon leadership considered offering back pay to troops after the mandate was rescinded, but it never materialized. They argue that military personnel have been required to get vaccines for years, especially for overseas deployments.