Chavez-DeRemer introduces bill to reverse dishonorable discharged caused by ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) has introduced the Recover Pride in Service Act, which seeks to help veterans who were dishonorably discharged under the now-repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.
The proposal would require the Department of Defense to proactively upgrade all discharges that were discriminatorily based on sexual orientation from dishonorable to honorable.
Additionally, the bill would create an outreach program to simplify the process for veterans who are eligible for an upgraded discharge status – ensuring these veterans can receive the benefits they have earned.
The proposal currently has 12 original cosponsors, including Reps. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Mike Carey (OH-15), Max Miller (OH-07), Mike Turner (OH-10), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), John Duarte (CA-13), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), and Kat Cammack (FL-03).
“Thirteen years have passed since Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed, yet some veterans continue suffering the consequences of this discriminatory policy. It’s past time for Congress to act and make this right,” Chavez-DeRemer said.
“The Recover Pride in Service Act will ensure these veterans can get their discharge status upgraded without lifting a finger. I’m grateful to have strong support from my colleagues, including veterans, and I look forward to working with them to get this overdue fix signed into law.”
"Log Cabin Republicans is proud to stand in strong support of this bill, and we urge all Members of Congress to do the same. It is our utmost responsibility to ensure that our veterans are treated with respect and dignity. We must do right by those who have served, and this bill is a significant step toward achieving that goal,” said Log Cabin Republicans President Charles T. Moran.
DADT was signed into law in 1993, allowing LGBTQ+ Americans to serve in the military if they concealed their sexual orientation. It was repealed nearly two decades later in 2011. However, service members discharged due to DADT face ongoing discrimination when sharing discharge paperwork with employers or landlords. The federal government has done little to help veterans affected by DADT, and the current appeal process is often burdensome and costly.
The Recover Pride in Service Act would require DOD to establish an outreach program to identify and inform impacted veterans of their right to request a discharge status review. DOD would also be required to submit a final report within three years to determine the effectiveness of the program.
Separately, the bill instructs DOD to proactively upgrade all discharges based on sexual orientation from dishonorable to honorable within five years of enactment – ensuring affected veterans do not have to complete an arduous application and review process.
Full text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.
