Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, has introduced a bill that would pave the way for service members who were discharged for not complying with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate to be reinstated.
“My legislation will ensure that our brave men and women in uniform who were unjustly punished because of their personal medical or moral decisions receive the benefits they deserve and have the opportunity to continue serving our great Nation,” Smith said.
H.R. 7570, introduced Monday, would require military leaders to reinstate service members desiring to continue their service at the same rank and grade.
“These forced discharges are no way to treat American heroes who sacrifice so much and put their lives on the line to preserve and defend our safety,” Smith said.
Smith told Breitbart News that he authored the legislation after hearing from service members, including Marine veteran Bill Borowsky Jr. and his father, Bill Borowsky Sr.
‘LOSS OF MOMENTUM’ IN RACE TO VACCINATE WORLD AGAINST COVID-19
“As the dad of a Marine who was separated from his unit because of the Biden vaccination mandate, words cannot describe how grateful I am to Congressman Chris Smith,” Borowsky Sr. said.
The bill would also provide protections for those who do not wish to return to service, including honorable discharges and secure G.I. Bill benefits and pensions.
“No one should lose their jobs or pensions because they do not want the COVID vaccine — especially our courageous service members who step up to defend the very freedoms we enjoy,” Smith said.
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This bill joins several others that Smith has co-sponsored with the goal of overturning the Biden administration’s vaccine mandates.
