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SRES 408

A resolution recognizing September 20, 2025, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day".

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 16 co-sponsors

SRES 408 designates September 20 as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day, honoring their service and urging policy reforms for equity and healthcare access.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · SRES 408

Summary of SRES 408: National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day

Bill Number: SRES 408
Introduced: September 18, 2025
Status: Introduced in Senate
Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The resolution SRES 408 aims to officially recognize September 20, 2025, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day. This day is intended to honor and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces, while also acknowledging the historical injustices they have faced.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several significant provisions:

  1. Recognition of Contributions: It celebrates the service and sacrifices of LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans.

  2. Acknowledgment of Past Harms: The resolution expresses regret for the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals under past military policies, including:

    • The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.
    • Bans on transgender servicemembers.
    • Other discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

  3. Impact of Discharges: It highlights the negative consequences of other-than-honorable and dishonorable discharges, which:

    • Prematurely ended the careers of LGBTQ+ servicemembers.
    • Exposed them to trauma from investigations and criminal charges.
    • Denied them the honor and benefits associated with military service.

  4. Call to Action for Policy Changes: The resolution urges the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to:

    • Implement policies that rectify past injustices.
    • Increase outreach to LGBTQ+ veterans to ensure they receive their entitled benefits.

  5. Healthcare Access: It calls for the VA and DoD to guarantee that transgender servicemembers and veterans, along with their families, have access to comprehensive healthcare, including:

    • Gender-affirming care.
    • Removal of the exclusion of gender-affirming surgery from the Veterans Affairs Medical Benefits Package.

Affected Parties

This resolution primarily affects:
- LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans who have served in the Armed Forces.
- Their families, particularly in relation to healthcare access and benefits.
- The broader military community, as it seeks to foster an inclusive environment.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • September 18, 2025: The resolution was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration.

Sponsors

The resolution is supported by a diverse group of senators, including:
- Jeff Merkley (Primary Sponsor)
- Michael Bennet
- Elizabeth A. Warren
- Richard Blumenthal
- Ron Wyden
- Bernie Sanders
- Tammy Duckworth
- Cory Booker
- And many others.

Conclusion

SRES 408 serves as a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. By establishing a dedicated day of recognition, the resolution aims to promote awareness, healing, and policy reform to ensure that all servicemembers are treated with dignity and respect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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