Keith Self (R-TX)
Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Republican 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
The Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 seeks to amend title 10 of the United States Code regarding chaplains in the Armed Forces. It aims to define the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualification requirements for chaplains across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. The bill establishes specific roles for the Chief of Chaplains and Deputy Chiefs of Chaplains to serve as principal advisors to military leadership. It also codifies specific duties, such as performing religious rites and providing pastoral care. Furthermore, the legislation provides protections for chaplains to ensure they can perform their duties according to their sincerely held religious beliefs without fear of retribution.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +8
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?
The bill explicitly codifies the rights of chaplains to perform religious duties consistent with their sincerely held beliefs and religious-endorsing organizations.
- Scored +5
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The bill protects chaplains from censorship and ensures they can conduct worship and teaching without undue restriction.
- Scored +3
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill ensures specialized spiritual and pastoral care is available to those serving in the military.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Religious Freedom for Chaplains: The bill establishes that chaplains have the right to conduct worship, counseling, and teaching in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs and their religious-endorsing organization (Section 3(b)(1)-(2); Section 4(b)(1)-(2); Section 5(d)(2)).
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Prevention of Retaliation: It prohibits military members from retaliating or discriminating against chaplains who refuse to perform tasks contrary to their religious beliefs (Section 3(b)(4)(C); Section 4(b)(4)(C); Section 5(d)(4)).
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Spiritual Support for Service Members and Families: Chaplains are tasked with meeting the religious requirements and care for the spiritual needs of members of the Armed Forces, authorized persons, and dependents, including in isolated or combat environments (Section 3(a)(2)(B); Section 4(a)(2)(B); Section 5(d)(2)(B)).
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Maintenance of Confidentiality: The bill ensures that chaplains maintain confidential, sacramental, and privileged communications (Section 3(a)(2)(E); Section 4(a)(2)(E); Section 5(d)(2)(E)).
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Leadership Advisement: It establishes that the Chief of Chaplains and Deputy Chiefs of Chaplains serve as principal advisors to high-ranking officials, such as the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army, on matters of religious support and spiritual readiness (Section 3(a)(3)(b); Section 4(a); Section 5(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Prosecution for Violating Chaplain Protections: Any member of the Armed Forces who violates the protections afforded to chaplains—such as by requiring a chaplain to perform a rite contrary to their beliefs—shall be subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Section 3(b)(4)(5); Section 4(b)(4)(5); Section 5(d)(5); Section 7(a)).
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.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion? — The bill explicitly codifies the rights of chaplains to perform religious duties consistent with their sincerely held beliefs and religious-endorsing organizations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill protects chaplains from censorship and ensures they can conduct worship and teaching without undue restriction.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill ensures specialized spiritual and pastoral care is available to those serving in the military.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By providing spiritual care and pastoral support, the bill enhances the overall wellbeing of service members and their dependents.
- 5/12/2026
- 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.
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina