Bill · S. 5189· Senate(119-S-5189)
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, to codify and clarify gender neutral standards for members of certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Mazie Hirono
- Cosponsors
- - 24 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill makes changes to laws regarding the Armed Forces to ensure gender-neutral standards and assignments. Under Section 1(a), members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force cannot be excluded from jobs, career fields, or assignments based on gender. It requires the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to Congress detailing any changes to occupational standards and information on members who were involuntarily reclassified or separated. Section 1(b) updates how occupational performance standards are created, requiring them to use a scientifically rigorous process based on technical, tactical, cognitive, or physical abilities. It also requires the Secretary of Defense to give Congress a 180-day notice with estimated costs and research before making any proposed changes. Finally, Section 1(c) orders the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress with full, unredacted reviews and briefings concerning the operational effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units.
Yes
Would women be better off under this?+5
The bill benefits women by prohibiting their exclusion from certain military assignments and occupational specialties.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by mandating unredacted reports and expanded congressional review periods.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+5
The bill promotes gender equality by prohibiting exclusion from military assignments based on gender.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Fair Assignment Opportunities: Section 1(a) amends title 10, United States Code, to explicitly prohibit the exclusion of any member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force from any occupational specialty, career field, or assignment based on gender. This ensures that individuals are judged on their capabilities rather than their gender.
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Scientifically Backed Standards: Section 1(b) ensures that any changes to occupational performance standards must be based on a scientifically rigorous process that accounts for technical, tactical, cognitive, or physical abilities, rather than just physical strength. This provides a fair and objective framework for military roles.
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Greater Transparency and Accountability: Section 1(c) requires the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress with full, unredacted versions of reviews regarding the operational effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units, along with briefings and Comptroller General reviews. This helps hold officials accountable and keeps our elected leaders informed.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Potential Burdens from Involuntary Reclassifications: Section 1(a) requires reporting on the number of members who are involuntarily reclassified or separated for reasons other than discipline. While this provides oversight, the involuntary reclassification or separation itself could negatively impact individual service members whose careers are disrupted.
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Delays in Implementing Standard Changes: Section 1(b) extends the congressional notification period for proposed changes from 60 days to 180 days and requires a reasonable period of not shorter than 18 months. While this allows for thorough review, it may create bureaucratic delays in updating military standards.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+5
- 9/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/4/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 19 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
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Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
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Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
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Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona
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Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
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Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
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Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
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Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts