Bill · S.Res. 868· Senate(119-SRES-868)
A resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day".
- Introduced
- 9/17/2026
- Last activity
- 9/17/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S4803-4804)
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 20 - 0
- 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
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?+9
The resolution formally honors LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, expresses regret for past discrimination, and pushes for the restoration of their rights and benefits.
Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?+8
The resolution officially recognizes National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day, expresses regret for past discrimination, and urges policy changes to support LGBTQ+ individuals.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+7
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For L G B T Q Community+9Good For Veterans+7Good For Middle Aged+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Seniors+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+7Improves Healthcare Access+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves L G B T Q Rights+8Improves Gender Equality+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- 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