U.S. Congress legislation · 119th Congress
SB5255: Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026
Status: In committee, August 5, 2026
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to define the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualification requirements for chaplains in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
What the bill says
To amend title 10, United States Code, to define the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualification requirements for chaplains in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
From the introduced text, August 5, 2026:
A BILL To amend title 10, United States Code, to define the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualification requirements for chaplains in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 . SECTION 2. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) Religion and religious liberty have always served an essential role in society, culture, and military service, making them necessary for good democratic governance and a strong military. (2) George Washington, as a young colonel, recognized the importance of religious practice for his soldiers, repeatedly requesting chaplains for his troops and periodically performing religious duties himself. (3) When the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army in June 1775, it recommended all officers and soldiers diligently to attend Divine Service . (4) In 1775, at the behest of George Washington, then General of the Continental Army, the Second Continental Congress established the Federal chaplaincy that is in existence to this day, making it one of the oldest military services provided for American troops. (5) From their earliest days, military chaplains have existed to provide pastoral care, meeting the religious needs of members of the Armed Forces and their families. (6) In 1775, the Continental Congress, understanding the significance of chaplaincy, similarly instructed its fledgling navy …
Sponsors
- Lankford, James (R, SD-OK) · primary sponsor
- Rounds, Mike (R)
- Katie Boyd Britt (R, SD-AL)
- Grassley, Chuck (R, SD-IA)
- Cramer, Kevin (R)
- Blackburn, Marsha (R)
Latest actions
- : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- : Introduced in Senate
Subjects: Armed Forces and National Security
Common questions
- What is SB5255?
- SB5255 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026.
- What does SB5255 do?
- In its own words: To amend title 10, United States Code, to define the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualification requirements for chaplains in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
- What is the status of SB5255?
- In committee as of August 5, 2026. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (August 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5255?
- Lankford, James (R, SD-OK), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5255?
- On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5255
Source: official Congress record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.