Bilirakis Urges DOD to Honor Right to Medical Freedom, Comply with Federal Law, and Delay Involuntary Discharges

Washington, DC: Congressman Gus Bilirakis and a group of his Congressional colleagues sent a letter to Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, asking his agency to delay involuntary discharges from the military until the agency fully complies with a provision in the recently passed National Defense Appropriation Act which requires the DOD to establish uniform procedures under which members of the military can be exempted from the COVID vaccine mandate. The group of lawmakers also implored General Austin to halt separations while an in-depth review of natural immunity is complete, citing ongoing concerns with military readiness in the face of aggression from adversarial countries such as Russia, China, and Iran.

"During this challenging time in which our country is facing multiple threats from hostile nations, we need to be strengthening, not eroding our military forces," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "Additionally, all Americans deserve the freedom to make their own personal choices about their healthcare decisions, including those who bravely serve in our nation's military. I will continue fighting on their behalf until this injustice is rectified. "

To read the letter in its entirety, please click here.