AMERICANS Act

HR 453 (the AMERICANS Act) prevents the Department of Defense from imposing new COVID-19 vaccine mandates without new congressional approval. It requires the military to adjust discharge statuses to "honorable" for service members discharged solely over vaccine refusal, and allows them to be reinstated to their previous rank with back pay and benefits. The bill also mandates that unvaccinated service members receive equal professional development and promotion opportunities, and creates processes for exemptions based on natural immunity, health conditions, or religious beliefs. It applies to all service members affected by previous vaccine-related discharges or adverse actions, regardless of whether they sought accommodations.