Blumenthal, Takano, Jacobs Reintroduce Commission on Equity & Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) along with House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA) reintroduced the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act, legislation establishing a commission to investigate the historic and ongoing impacts of discriminatory military policies on LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans.

"LGBTQ+ servicemembers have long been the target of dangerous and discriminatory policies-resulting in harassment, involuntary discharge, and barriers to their earned benefits," said Blumenthal. "Establishing this commission is an important step to understand the full scope of harm and address the damage caused by policies like 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' As LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans face repugnant and blatant bigotry under the Trump Administration, we will keep fighting to secure a more equitable future for all who serve our country in uniform."

"Qualified servicemembers were hunted down and forced to leave the military at the direction of our government," said Takano. "These practices have continued, now with our government targeting transgender servicemembers. The forced separation and dishonorable discharges LGBTQ+ people received must be rectified, benefits fully granted, and dignity restored to those who have protected our freedoms."

"Instead of righting wrongs and making amends to our LGBTQ+ service members and veterans who've suffered injustices for decades, I'm ashamed that the Trump Administration has doubled down: kicking trans folks out of the military and banning their enlistment," said Jacobs. "We know that LGBTQ+ service members and veterans have faced so much ugliness - discrimination, harassment, professional setbacks, and even violence - that has led to unjust discharges and disparities in benefits, but we still don't have a full picture of all the harm caused. That needs to change. That's why I'm proud to co-lead this bill to investigate these harms, address the impacts of discriminatory official policies like 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and the transgender military ban, and ensure equity and justice for our LGBTQ+ service members and veterans."

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the Trump Administration's Executive Order banning transgender servicemembers from openly serving in the Armed Forces, forcing the separation of thousands of capable and dedicated servicemembers. There are approximately one million LGBTQ+ veterans in the U.S., many of whom were either discharged based on their sexual orientation or otherwise impacted by harassment during their time in service. Veterans who were discharged on discriminatory grounds are often unable to access their benefits, and under the Trump Administration, LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers have been openly persecuted.

The Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act is supported by: Minority Veterans of America, Human Rights Campaign, Equality California, SPARTA, and the Transgender Americans Veterans Association.

The bill text can be found here.

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