Text of Senate Amendment 6354

On 2026-06-24, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) delivered a floor speech titled "Text Of Senate Amendment 6354" in the Senate.

Text of Senate Amendment 6354

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6354. Ms. HIRONO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle D of title V, add the following: SEC. 539F. PROTECTED SPEECH; PROHIBITION OF RETALIATORY OR ADVERSE ACTIONS AGAINST RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) Prohibition.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of any military department may not take any adverse personnel action against a retired member of the Armed Forces based in whole or in part on the member's speech on matters of public concern or political activity. (2) Exception.--The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to a member who is wearing a military uniform. (b) Adverse Personnel Action.--For purposes of this section, the term ``adverse personnel action'' includes-- (1) issuance of a letter of censure, reprimand, or admonishment; (2) initiation or conduct of an officer grade determination; (3) reduction in retired grade or retired pay; and (4) any other administrative action intended to penalize or diminish the retired status, grade, or benefits of the retired member. ______