Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act
In Committee
Introduced:Feb 6, 2025
Primary Sponsor
David Kustoff
Representative
Republican
TN-8
Cosponsors
42
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Summary
This bill requires that military eligibility standards not include criteria based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex including gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics. Personnel policies must ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all service members.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires that military eligibility standards not include criteria based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex including gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics. Personnel policies must ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all service members.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act</strong></p><p>This bill addresses the standards for eligibility for service in the Armed Forces. Specifically, the bill provides that any qualifications established or applied relating to eligibility for service in any of the Armed Forces must not include any criteria relating to the race, color, national origin, religion, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics) of an individual.</p><p>Additionally, any personnel policy developed or implemented by a military department with respect to members of the Armed Forces must ensure equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics).</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Prohibits eligibility criteria based on race, color, or national origin
Bars standards based on religion or sex
Includes protections for gender identity and sexual orientation
Covers sex characteristics in non-discrimination provisions
Requires equal treatment in all personnel policies
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Military service eligibility could not be restricted based on protected characteristics including gender identity and sexual orientation. This would codify non-discrimination protections and ensure equal treatment for all who serve.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Related Subjects
Military personnel and dependents
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
515, 119th Congress (2025). "Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-515
