The National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law by President Biden. Included in the legislation was an amendment by Kansas Senator Roger Marshall that prevents dishonorable discharges for unvaccinated service members.
Marshall had the following to say of the NDAA’s passage in a press release issued this week:
“As a former Army doctor, I am proud the NDAA was signed into law and included my amendment to ensure servicemembers will be protected from a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to get the COVID vaccine. Simply put, a dishonorable discharge treats our heroes as felons. But, our American heroes deserve better,” said Senator Marshall. “I support the vaccine, but I also support those who are defending our freedoms and have carefully weighed their decision on whether to receive it. With the NDAA having been signed into law, our service men and women have medical freedom they rightly deserve.”
Dishonorably discharged U.S. service members surrender the following rights and benefits:
- Ownership of any sort of firearm or ammunition
- Access to the GI Bill for further education
- VA home loans
- VA medical benefits
- Military Funeral Honors
- Re-enlistment in another military branch
