Julie Johnson (D-TX)
Enduring Accountability Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Enduring Accountability Act. It allows for the separation of a member of the Armed Forces who accepts a presidential pardon or commutation of sentence. Under the bill, a board must be convened to review the conduct tied to the pardon. The board makes findings and recommends whether to authorize the involuntary administrative separation of the member. The bill also requires notifications and written reports to be sent to the Secretary of Defense and appropriate congressional committees.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires written reports to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees regarding board findings and separation recommendations, enhancing transparency and oversight.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill increases federal oversight and administrative authority by establishing standardized board review and congressional reporting requirements for service members who accept presidential pardons.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -2
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Military personnel and veterans who receive a presidential pardon may face separation and adverse characterization of service under the provisions of the bill.
- Scored -2
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill allows for the involuntary administrative separation of a service member who accepts a presidential pardon or commutation, which could negatively impact individual service members facing separation despite receiving executive clemency.
- Scored -1
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Young adults serving in the Armed Forces may face potential involuntary administrative separation following a presidential pardon.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2, adding section 1162(a) to title 10, United States Code, gives the Secretary concerned the authority to involuntarily separate a service member who accepts a presidential pardon or commutation of sentence, or to withdraw Federal recognition if the member is in the National Guard. This holds service members accountable for their conduct through a board process regardless of a pardon.
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Section 2, adding section 1162(b) to title 10, United States Code, requires a board to be convened within 30 days to consider the conduct of the member under fitness and conduct regulations. This ensures a formal review of the individual's actions by a board rather than leaving the decision entirely unchecked.
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Section 2, adding section 1162(d) to title 10, United States Code, mandates that the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating submit a written report to congressional committees within 30 days of a board's recommendation. This keeps our elected officials in Congress informed and holds them accountable for overseeing these actions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2, adding section 1162(a) and section 1162(b) to title 10, United States Code, allows for the involuntary administrative separation of a service member even after they have received a presidential pardon or commutation of sentence. This could be seen as a burden or negative consequence for individual service members facing separation despite receiving executive clemency.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires written reports to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees regarding board findings and separation recommendations, enhancing transparency and oversight. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight and administrative authority by establishing standardized board review and congressional reporting requirements for service members who accept presidential pardons.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Military personnel and veterans who receive a presidential pardon may face separation and adverse characterization of service under the provisions of the bill. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged members of the Armed Forces are subject to potential administrative separation under the new review board framework. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults serving in the Armed Forces may face potential involuntary administrative separation following a presidential pardon.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill allows for the involuntary administrative separation of a service member who accepts a presidential pardon or commutation, which could negatively impact individual service members facing separation despite receiving executive clemency.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Johnny OlszewskiDemocrat · Maryland