A resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day".
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Sep 2026): Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S4803-4804)
What this bill does
S.Res. 868 would recognize September 20, 2026, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day." The resolution would celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and acknowledge past discriminatory policies.
The bill specifically mentions the harm caused by policies like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and bans on transgender servicemembers, as well as the impact of certain discharges on servicemembers' careers and benefits. It urges the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to implement policy changes to address past discrimination and to expand access to healthcare for transgender veterans and servicemembers.
This resolution was introduced in the Senate on September 17, 2026, by Senator Jeff Merkley and has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As a resolution, if passed by the Senate, it would express the Senate's sentiment and recommendations but would not have the force of law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
17 Sep 2026
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S4803-4804)
Common questions
- What does S.Res. 868 do?
- S.Res. 868 would recognize September 20, 2026, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day." The resolution would celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and acknowledge past discriminatory policies. The bill specifically mentions the harm caused by policies like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and bans on transgender servicemembers, as well as the impact of certain discharges on servicemembers' careers and benefits. It urges the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to implement policy changes to address past discrimination and to expand access to healthcare for transgender veterans and servicemembers. This resolution was introduced in the Senate on September 17, 2026, by Senator Jeff Merkley and has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As a resolution, if passed by the Senate, it would express the Senate's sentiment and recommendations but would not have the force of law.
- Has S.Res. 868 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S.Res. 868. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S.Res. 868?
- S.Res. 868 was sponsored by Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (D-OR), with 21 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S.Res. 868?
- Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S4803-4804) (17 Sep 2026).
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