U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Don Bacon (R-NE) joined U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would help reinforce and strengthen the civilian defense workforce by creating new opportunities for Americans who are unable to serve in the United States military due to medical disqualifications.
“Every year, tens of thousands of young Americans are turned away from military service — not because they aren’t willing to serve, but because of medical disqualifications that may have no bearing on their ability to contribute,” Rep. Kiggans said. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill strengthens our workforce, preserves talent, and reinforces our commitment to the defense industrial base at a time when global threats are growing by the day.”
Rep. Kiggans on May 7 sponsored the Defense Workforce Integration Act of 2025, H.R. 3241, with three original cosponsors, including Rep. Bacon and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), while on the same day Sen. Rounds cosponsored the identical S. 1632 in the Senate alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
“Medical issues might prevent some patriotic Americans from active military service, but it doesn’t have to prevent them from finding other ways to serve our country,” Sen. Rounds said. “The Defense Workforce Integration Act would help individuals who want to serve their country but are disqualified from military service for medical reasons transition into federal civilian roles within the Department of Defense.”
Specifically, the bill would direct the U.S. Department of Defense to establish a program that informs and refers medically disqualified individuals to civilian employment, apprenticeship, or training opportunities supporting national security, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, the measure would codify and expand efforts like the Air Force’s DRIVE program, which redirects disqualified recruits into defense-related roles, and require the U.S. Navy to provide information on Military Sealift Command careers as part of the Transition Assistance Program.
The bill also would mandate collaboration with defense contractors, federal agencies, and academic institutions to broaden access to defense workforce pipelines, and require a report to Congress within one year outlining implementation progress, the summary says.
“Strengthening our national defense requires every American who wants to serve, even if they are not medically qualified to serve in uniform,” said Rep. Bacon. “I am excited to team with Rep. Kiggans on this significant legislation that opens up new recruiting and apprenticeship pathways for civilian careers in critical fields like defense manufacturing, cyber operations and other critical sectors.”
The American Legion has endorsed the bill.