Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
A resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day".
A Democratic resolution with 20 Democratic cosponsors · See all 21 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S4803-4804)
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
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution recognizes September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day. It celebrates the military contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals who have served in the Armed Forces throughout United States history. The text notes past discriminatory policies, such as Executive Order 10450 and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which led to the discharge of numerous servicemembers. It also points out recent bans and policy changes impacting transgender servicemembers and veterans. Finally, the Senate expresses regret for past harms and urges the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to restore justice, benefits, and health care access.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +9
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?
The resolution formally honors LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, expresses regret for past discrimination, and pushes for the restoration of their rights and benefits.
- Scored +8
Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?
The resolution officially recognizes National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day, expresses regret for past discrimination, and urges policy changes to support LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Scored +7
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The measure directly champions veterans who faced unfair discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity, urging benefit restoration.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Contributions: Section (2) celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. This is positive because it officially honors the service and sacrifices of these individuals.
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Acknowledgment of Past Harms: Section (3) and Section (4) recognize the harm done to LGBTQ+ servicemembers under discriminatory policies like Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and highlight how unfair discharges deprived individuals of earned benefits and dignity. This brings official legislative attention to past injustices.
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Advocacy for Benefits and Healthcare: Section (5) and Section (6) urge the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to conduct outreach so discharged servicemembers can receive their benefits, end the transgender military ban, and restore access to gender-affirming care. This could lead to improved support and healthcare access for affected veterans and servicemembers.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — The resolution formally honors LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, expresses regret for past discrimination, and pushes for the restoration of their rights and benefits. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The measure directly champions veterans who faced unfair discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity, urging benefit restoration. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Many LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers affected by past policies fall into middle-age demographics. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The resolution advocates for the rights and benefits of younger active-duty servicemembers and veterans affected by military policies. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Older veterans impacted by historical policies such as the Lavender Scare and early discharge regulations receive formal acknowledgment and calls for justice.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The resolution urges the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense to restore and expand healthcare access for transgender veterans and servicemembers. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The measure advocates for expanded and non-discriminatory healthcare access for LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people? — The resolution officially recognizes National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day, expresses regret for past discrimination, and urges policy changes to support LGBTQ+ individuals. Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The resolution addresses gender identity discrimination and advocates for equal treatment of transgender servicemembers and veterans.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The resolution urges federal departments to conduct outreach so that discharged LGBTQ+ servicemembers can receive their earned benefits.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution brings formal congressional recognition and visibility to the historical harms and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers.
- 9/22/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/17/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S4803-4804)
- 19 Cosponsors added.
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts