To direct the Secretary concerned to reinstate a member involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of the refusal of such member to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 297

Bill 118 hr 297, also known as the "Reinstatement of Involuntarily Separated Members Act," aims to direct the Secretary concerned to reinstate a member of the Armed Forces who was involuntarily separated solely due to their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill seeks to address the issue of service members being discharged from the military for refusing the vaccine, by requiring their reinstatement.

The bill does not mandate that all service members must receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but rather focuses on those who have been separated from the military solely for this reason. It aims to ensure that these individuals are given the opportunity to continue their service if they so choose, without facing repercussions for their decision regarding the vaccine.

The bill is designed to protect the rights of service members and ensure that they are not unfairly penalized for their personal beliefs or decisions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. It emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to make informed choices about their own health and well-being, while also recognizing the value of their service to the country. Overall, Bill 118 hr 297 seeks to promote fairness and respect for individual rights within the military, by reinstating service members who have been separated solely due to their refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Congressional Summary of HR 297

This bill requires the military departments to reinstate individuals (upon their request) who were involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely based on their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Such individuals must be reinstated in the grade they held prior to the separation.

Read the Full Bill

Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Current Status of Bill HR 297

Bill HR 297 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 11, 2023. Bill HR 297 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 11, 2023. Bill HR 297's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. as of January 11, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 297

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 297

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

- Cardiovascular and respiratory health

- Emergency medical services and trauma care

- Employment discrimination and employee rights

- Immunology and vaccination

- Infectious and parasitic diseases

- Military medicine

- Military personnel and dependents

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 297

To direct the Secretary concerned to reinstate a member involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of the refusal of such member to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.