Military Officer Promotion Integrity Act of 2026
Limits when the Defense Secretary can remove promotion-selected officers and gives them notice, a chance to respond, and review.
In the House Armed Services Committee since Oct. 1, 2026, 7 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 1, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Military officers selected for promotion can face removal from a promotion recommendation by the Secretary of Defense. The bill would limit removals to specified grounds and require written evidence, advance notice, and a chance for the officer to respond. It would also allow expedited review by a military-records correction board.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Limit removal to listed grounds
The Secretary of Defense could remove an officer chosen for promotion only for specified reasons, such as misconduct, newly discovered material adverse information, loss of a legal qualification, or national security or military necessity. The Secretary would have to identify the ground and supporting facts and evidence in writing, backed by substantial evidence.
- Define misconduct and bar certain reasons
Misconduct would include violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, substantiated adverse findings by an Inspector General or other competent authority, conduct leading to removal from command or administrative separation proceedings, or conduct showing material inability to perform the duties of the grade. A removal decision could not be based on an officer’s participation in or statements about a lawful Defense Department policy or activity that was authorized when it occurred.
- Give officers notice and a chance to respond
Before a final removal decision, the Secretary would have to give the officer written notice of the proposed action and its factual basis, allow the officer a reasonable period to submit a written response, and consider that response. Within 15 days after a final decision, the Secretary would also have to notify the officer and the congressional defense committees in writing.
- Allow expedited review and a temporary stay
An officer could petition a board for correction of military records for expedited review. If the officer petitions within 15 days after receiving notice of the final decision, the removal would be paused until the board finishes; the board would have 180 days after receiving the petition to complete its review.
- Require procedures for implementing the law
The Secretary concerned would have to issue procedures to carry out the bill within 180 days after enactment.
The bill’s findings say promotion boards help keep advancement based on merit and preserve the professionalism and apolitical character of the Armed Forces. They also say that transparency and oversight can protect servicemembers’ rights and public confidence in the promotion system.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 1, 2026HOUSEOCT 1, 2026By Rep. Strickland with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Armed Services
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeOCT 1, 2026ARMED SERVICES NOWOCT 1, 2026In committee for 7 daysNo hearing yet
- 7 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 7, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Strickland’s record: sponsored 30 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 1 became law.
- Chrissy HoulahanD-PA-6ORIGINAL
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