Last Thursday, freshman Congressman Pat Harrigan, R-NC10, introduced his first bill, the Americans Act. The legislation reinstates more than 8,400 service members who refused the COVID-19 vaccine after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the requirement in August 2021 under the Biden Administration, reported Fox News. The order was rescinded in January 2023.
“This mandate wasn’t about science or readiness—it was about control,” said Harrigan. “Thousands of patriots were cast aside by the very nation they swore to defend, stripped of their careers, their benefits, and their dignity—not because they failed to serve honorably, but because of political overreach. The AMERICANS Act doesn’t just restore what they lost—it ensures no administration can ever again use its power to undermine the honor and integrity of our armed forces. This is about justice, accountability, and the promise we owe to those who serve.”
HR 511 will reinstate more than 8,400 wrongfully discharged service members, clear records, restore benefits, and ensure that future administrations cannot weaponize similar mandates against the armed forces.
“The Secretary of Defense may not issue any COVID–19 vaccine mandate as a replacement for the mandate rescinded under section 525 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 absent a further Act of Congress expressly authorizing a replacement mandate,” reads the bill. “The Secretary of Defense may not take any adverse action against a covered member based solely on the refusal of such member to receive a vaccine for COVID–19.”
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, is sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate.
“Our military is still dealing with the consequences of the Biden administration’s wrongful COVID-19 vaccine mandate,” said Cruz. “Even though I led the successful charge for Congress to repeal that mandate, there is still more to be done. The AMERICANS Act would provide remedies for servicemembers whom the Biden Department of Defense punished for standing by their convictions. It’s the right thing to do.”
On Monday, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump wasted no time getting down to business, signing an onslaught of executive orders, including one reinstating the more than 8,400 service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
“President Trump’s executive order reinstating service members wrongfully discharged due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is a resounding victory for justice, freedom, and the values our military stands to defend,” Harrigan told the Carolina Journal. “These patriots, who sacrificed so much for our nation, deserve nothing less than full restoration of their honor, benefits, and careers. This executive action is a critical first step, but it is not the end of the fight. The AMERICANS Act, which I introduced, goes further—it ensures that no administration can ever again wield mandates as a political weapon against the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. An executive order is powerful, but it can be reversed. The AMERICANS Act will codify these protections into law, making them permanent and undeniable.”
While Harrigan applauded Trump’s action, he emphasized that it is crucial that Congress still pass this legislation.
“I applaud President Trump for standing with our service members and for addressing this grave injustice head-on,” continued Harrigan. “Now, it is up to Congress to finish the job. Passing the AMERICANS Act is not just about correcting past wrongs—it’s about protecting the integrity of our military, honoring our commitments to those who serve, and ensuring that future generations never face the same betrayal.”
Harrigan was also appointed to serve on three committees last week: the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. Harrigan is a combat-decorated Green Beret and the United States Military Academy graduate.
Honored to be appointed to @HASCRepublicans Subcommittees on Readiness, Military Personnel, and Intelligence & Special Operations.
I’m committed to ensuring our military is unmatched, capable of deterring threats, and ready to win wars if necessary. pic.twitter.com/iQUZ1an6Ir
— Congressman Pat Harrigan (@RepPatHarrigan) January 17, 2025
“The military’s job is simple: to deter our adversaries and, if necessary, to win wars,” said Harrigan in a statement. “Our servicemembers deserve the resources, training, and leadership required to execute that mission. On these subcommittees, I will fight to ensure that America’s military remains unmatched and our nation remains secure against any threat—on the ground, in the air, at sea, and in space.”
The Subcommittee on Readiness ensures the military’s infrastructure, logistics, and training meet current needs and prepare for future challenges. The Subcommittee on Military Personnel focuses on key issues such as recruitment, retention, pay, and benefits to support service members and their families. The Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations oversees sensitive programs that maintain America’s strategic advantage, ensuring the armed forces stay ahead of adversaries’ evolving technologies and tactics.