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

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus Mark Takano (CA-39), Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Representative Sara Jacobs (CA-51) reintroduced the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act. The bill would establish a commission to investigate the historic and ongoing impacts of discriminatory military policies on LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans.

Today also marks 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.

Approximately 114,000 servicemembers were discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation between WWII and 2011, while an estimated 870,000 LGBTQ servicemembers have been impacted by hostility, harassment, assault, and law enforcement targeting due to the military policies in place. These separations are devastating and have long-reaching impacts. Veterans who were discharged on discriminatory grounds are unable to access their benefits, and under the Trump Administration LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers have been openly persecuted.

It should not be so difficult for all servicemembers to abide by the uncompromising code of integrity to themselves, their families, and their units when they join the United States Uniformed Services-and they should be honored for their service, regardless of who they are. The commission established through this bill is modeled after the Congressional commission that investigated and secured redress for Japanese Americans interned during World War II, from which Congressman Takano's family received an official apology and redress payment. That history and model inspired him to craft this bill.

"Qualified servicemembers were hunted down and forced to leave the military at the direction of our government," said Representative 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."

"LGBTQ+ servicemembers have long been the target of dangerous and discriminatory policies-resulting in harassment, involuntary discharge, and barriers to their earned benefits," said Senator 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."

"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 Rep. 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."

Reps. Takano and Jacobs are leading the bill in the House, while Senator Blumenthal is introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

Congressman Takano's office has profiled and interviewed LGBTQ+ servicemembers who were harmed by discriminatory policies in the uniformed services.

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

A one pager can be found here.

The bill text can be found here.

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