Rubio, Rick Scott Introduce Legislation to Audit Vaccine Religious Exemption Process for U.S. Military

Press Release

Since the U.S. Department of Defense implemented its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, thousands of service members sought but were denied religious exemptions and were then discharged from the military for refusing the vaccine. With thousands of service members being denied, and only a handful being approved, questions remain about the fairness of the review process. 

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Defending Religious Accommodations Act. The bill would require the Government Accountability Office to audit the military's current process for evaluating and granting religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination requirements. 

"It is outrageous enough that the young men and women who want to serve our nation are required to be vaccinated. And it is arguably more outrageous that these selfless individuals are being forced to receive the vaccination against their religious beliefs. It's time for the military to stop playing politics and focus on protecting our nation." --Senator Rubio
"The military's COVID-19 vaccine mandate has proven disastrous for America's military readiness and needlessly destroyed the lives and careers of thousands of brave service members. Our brave men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to protect this great country and the thought that their sincere religious concerns are not being handled with fairness and impartiality is infuriating." -Senator Rick Scott

Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Mike Lee (R-UT) are original cosponsors.

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