Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
Military Officer Promotion Integrity Act of 2026
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 Military Officer Promotion Integrity Act of 2026. It sets objective standards, procedural protections, and independent review processes for when the Secretary of Defense removes a military officer from a promotion recommendation. The text states that the Secretary may only remove an officer based on specific written determinations like misconduct, newly discovered adverse information, loss of statutory qualifications, or national security. It also protects officers by prohibiting removal based on participation in lawful Department of Defense policies or activities. Furthermore, the bill gives affected officers a written notice and an opportunity to respond to the proposed action. Finally, it creates an expedited review process through boards for correction of military records.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill establishes formal notice requirements, an opportunity for officers to respond, and an expedited independent review process for removals from promotion lists.
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates written determinations, specific factual findings, and formal notices to congressional committees regarding the removal of military officers from promotion recommendations.
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
By strengthening procedural protections and fair review processes for military officers, the legislation enhances institutional fairness for current and former service members.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection Against Unfair Removal: Section 3 creates a new subsection (g)(3) that prevents the Secretary of Defense from removing an officer from a promotion recommendation based on their participation in, implementation of, or statements made about a lawful Department of Defense policy, directive, program, ceremony, or official activity that was authorized at the time. This protects servicemembers from being penalized for following official military rules.
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Right to Notice and Response: Section 5 adds a new subsection (h)(1) requiring the Secretary of Defense to give the officer written notice of the proposed action and its factual basis, and allows the officer a reasonable period to submit written matters for consideration before a final determination is made. This ensures transparency and gives the voted-for officials and the people's servants a fair chance to defend themselves.
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Expedited Independent Review: Section 6 creates a new subsection (k) allowing an affected officer to petition a board for expedited review of their removal, which must be completed within 180 days. If the board finds that the removal violated the rules or removes the adverse information, the Secretary must vacate the prior determination and reconsider the promotion. This provides a clear system of accountability for our military leaders.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Burdens on Administrative Resources: Section 6 requires boards for correction of military records to complete their reviews not later than 180 days after receiving a petition, and requires the Secretary concerned to prescribe implementation procedures within 180 days. This could place a heavy procedural and administrative burden on the military personnel operating these boards.
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 protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill establishes formal notice requirements, an opportunity for officers to respond, and an expedited independent review process for removals from promotion lists. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates written determinations, specific factual findings, and formal notices to congressional committees regarding the removal of military officers from promotion recommendations.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — By strengthening procedural protections and fair review processes for military officers, the legislation enhances institutional fairness for current and former service members.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill provides procedural protections, objective standards, and expedited independent review for military officers regarding promotion recommendations, enhancing fairness and support for military personnel.
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania