Washington, D.C. – Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05) today introduced H.R. 6178, a bill to protect National Guard servicemembers from being discharged or having their pay withheld based on their COVID-19 vaccination status. This is the House companion of Sen. James Lankford’s bill, S. 3299.
This legislation comes on the heels of the Biden Administration’s announcement last week of its intent to withhold the pay of Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen who decline the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Threatening the livelihood of our National Guard members based on their vaccine status is legally dubious, and frankly, a disgraceful way to treat those who protect and serve our country,” said Rep. Bice. “The Biden Administration must stop their overreach into the lives of all Americans through these vaccine mandates, but particularly members of the National Guard, who while serving until Title 32, report directly to their state governors, not the federal government.”
Joining Rep. Bice as original cosponsors on the bill are Oklahoma Representatives Kevin Hern (OK-01), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), and Frank Lucas (OK-03).
“In addition to the negative impacts on our servicemembers and their families during the holidays, I’m also gravely concerned about the impact this decision would have on our nation’s military readiness and national security,” said Bice.
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