Schatz Statement On Defense Department Correcting Discharges For Service Members Unfairly Discharged Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Schatz Has Led Bipartisan Efforts in the Senate to Correct Records, Reinstate Benefits for Impacted Veterans
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced that more than 800 service members who were unfairly discharged from the military under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will be upgraded to an honorable discharge.
“It’s long past time that LGBTQ+ veterans who bravely served our country received the honorable service records they deserve and the benefits that go with it,” said Senator Schatz. “While these record corrections are welcome relief for hundreds of service members, it’s essential that the Department of Defense continues its efforts to ensure they receive the full benefits they are entitled to and any veterans not included in this review receive upgrades as quickly as possible.”
Schatz has led bipartisan efforts in the Senate through the Restore Honor to Service Members Act to correct the military records of service members unjustly discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and support access to the benefits they have earned.
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