U.S. Congress legislation · 119th Congress
SB5542: Military Officer Promotion Integrity Act of 2026
Status: In committee, September 24, 2026
A bill to establish objective standards, procedural protections, and independent review for the Secretary of Defense's removal of officers from promotion recommendations.
What the bill says
To establish objective standards, procedural protections, and independent review for the Secretary of Defense's removal of officers from promotion recommendations.
From the introduced text, September 24, 2026:
A BILL To establish objective standards, procedural protections, and independent review for the Secretary of Defense's removal of officers from promotion recommendations. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Officer Promotion Integrity Act of 2026 . SECTION 2. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The officer promotion system established under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, is intended to ensure that officers are advanced based on merit, demonstrated performance, professional qualifications, and the needs of the Armed Forces. (2) Promotion selection boards convened under chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, play a critical role in preserving the professionalism, merit-based character, and apolitical nature of the Armed Forces. (3) Officers selected for promotion by a duly constituted promotion selection board should not be removed from promotion consideration except pursuant to objective standards, established procedures, and documented findings consistent with law. (4) Transparency, objectivity, and meaningful oversight promote servicemember and public confidence in the military promotion system, protect the rights of servicemembers, and strengthen the readiness and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. (5) Congress has a constitutional responsibility to make rules for the government and regulation of the Armed Forces, including establishing statutory standards governing the promotion of commissioned officers. SECTION 3. Standards for removal from promotion recommendations Section 618 of title …
Sponsors
- Blumenthal, Richard (D) · primary sponsor
- Shaheen, Jeanne (D)
- Hirono, Mazie (D)
- Rosen, Jacky (D)
- Gillibrand, Kirsten (D)
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 SB5542?
- SB5542 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Military Officer Promotion Integrity Act of 2026.
- What does SB5542 do?
- In its own words: To establish objective standards, procedural protections, and independent review for the Secretary of Defense's removal of officers from promotion recommendations.
- What is the status of SB5542?
- In committee as of September 24, 2026. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (September 24, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5542?
- Blumenthal, Richard (D), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5542?
- On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5542
Source: official Congress record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.