A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, to codify and clarify gender neutral standards for members of certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

S. 5189 in the 119th Congress (2025–2026) was introduced on Jul 30, 2026, sponsored by Mazie K. Hirono with 24 co-sponsors.

During the 119th Congress (2025–2026), Donald Trump was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Status: Introduced
Introduced: Jul 30, 2026
Co-sponsors: 24
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

What it does

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from excluding an individual from military positions or assignments based on gender. It also limits changes to DOD occupational performance standards that address gender neutrality. First, the bill prohibits the exclusion of members of the Armed Forces from an occupational specialty, career field, or assignment on the basis of gender.

Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

Sponsor

Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI). Co-sponsors: 24 Democrats.

Where it stands

IntroducedJul 30, 2026
Passed the Senate—
Passed the House—
Sent to the President—
Became law—

Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (Jul 30, 2026)

More bills from Mazie K. Hirono in the 119th Congress

Other Armed Forces and National Security bills in the 119th Congress

Committees

Armed Services Committee

From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.

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Capitol Receipts, “S. 5189 (119th Congress): A bill to amend title 10, United States…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/119-s-5189/a-bill-to-amend-title-10-united-states-code (accessed 2026-10-16).