Bill Overview
Title: AMERICANS Act
Description: This bill modifies the classification of discharge and remedies available to specified individuals who were discharged for failing to obey an order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Such individuals include members of the Armed Forces, individuals enrolled at a military service academy, or individuals enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) or Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (SROTC) program.
Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals discharged from the military for COVID-19 vaccine refusal
Estimated Size: 4500
- The bill affects individuals discharged specifically for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine, not for any other reason.
- Since COVID-19 vaccines were widely distributed starting in 2021, the population affected is limited to those active duty and enrolled from that time.
- Military discharge can have significant impacts on an individual's civilian life and job prospects.
- There are over 1.3 million active duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces as of recent years.
- The number of individuals discharged specifically for vaccine refusal is much smaller than the total military population.
- Globally, other countries' militaries are unlikely affected by a U.S.-specific vaccine refusal discharge policy.
Reasoning
- The individuals affected by this policy include those who were discharged specifically for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a subset of the total military population, estimated to be a few thousand.
- The budget of $5 million in the first year must cover costs such as administration of discharge reviews or changes, and any associated benefits to those reclassified.
- Wellbeing impacts will vary based on individual circumstances, including how the discharge affected their civilian lives, such as employment, mental health, and social status.
- Some individuals may experience significant benefits from having their discharge status amended, potentially improving job prospects and social standing.
- Others may experience minimal changes, especially if they have already integrated into civilian life successfully.
- Those not directly impacted by the policy might not have any change in their wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
former military personnel (California)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is a good step; it gives us a chance to have our records reflect why we chose not to vaccinate rather than tarnishing our service.
- This could open up job opportunities that were closed to me because of the nature of my discharge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
student (Texas)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am relieved something is being done, but I worry it's a little too late for me.
- The policy might help with some stigma I'm facing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
consultant (Florida)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've moved on, but having my record corrected would be great for my peace of mind.
- This change won't substantially impact my current life, but it's a positive thing to see.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
IT specialist (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I find the policy helpful in clearing up any doubts employers might have about my service record.
- However, not sure it will have a huge longer-term impact for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
network engineer (Georgia)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It feels good to see some rectification; my career in the military was cut short due to the discharge.
- I hope it might help in future prospects, perhaps even reopening some roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
unemployed (Ohio)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It feels like things might finally start improving.
- I've been lost since the discharge; maybe rectifying this will help set me back on track.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
retail manager (Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Frankly, I've adjusted to civilian life, but I want my discharge record to reflect the truth of my decision more accurately.
- It's important for my kids to know the full story.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
graphic designer (Virginia)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Overall, I don't see much changing in my day-to-day life.
- It might make some corporate roles easier to access if the policy can adjust my military record.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
business owner (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a nice gesture, but at this point in my life, it won't change much.
- I'm already invested in my business and community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
teacher (New Jersey)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy itself does not affect me either way, but I know its importance for some of my fellow servicemembers.
- I fully support the initiative for those it impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary administrative cost is associated with processing changes to military records for approximately 4,500 individuals.
- Potential benefits extend beyond financials, potentially improving employment prospects and social outcomes for affected individuals.