Ernst-supported bill to protect rights of military members heads to president’s desk

The U.S. Senate recently approved a bipartisan bill supported by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) to permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The legislation was presented to the president to be signed into law.  

“I’m glad this important legislation passed the Senate this week, and is now one step closer to being signed into law,” said Sen. Ernst on Dec. 17.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, S. 4915, was introduced on Nov. 18 by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in the U.S. Senate. The bill is the Senate’s version of the identical H.R. 8354, introduced on Sept. 23 by U.S. Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Van Taylor (R-TX), to support the work of the existing SVI, created by the DOJ in 2015, by updating and formalizing the SVI’s mandate, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“As a combat veteran, caring for our service members, veterans and military families is one of my top priorities,” Sen. Ernst said. “That’s why I’ve helped lead this bipartisan effort to ensure the Department of Justice continues their work to protect the rights and legal interests of our nation’s heroes during and long after their military careers.”

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 8 voted 400-1 to approve the Senate version of the bill, which the Senate then approved by unanimous consent on Dec. 15 and will send to the president’s desk for his signature to make the bill law. 

“As a Senate Armed Services Committee member, I am proud that the Senate passed this legislation, and urge that it be swiftly signed into law,” said Sen. Hirono.

The measure has been endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, and Student Veterans of America.