Women Involuntarily Separated Earning Remittance Act of 2025 or the WISER Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish and implement certain programs to address the involuntary separation of women veterans who served during the period of April 27, 1951, through February 23, 1976, under Executive Order 10240. Such order provided for the involuntary separation of women from service for (1) being a parent via birth or adoption, (2) gaining custody of a child, (3) being a step-parent who lived with the child more than 30 days per year, (4) being pregnant, or (5) giving birth to a living child while serving.The VA must establish and implement a program to upgrade the discharge status of such women veterans, and DOD must establish and implement a program to provide them with a one-time compensation of $25,000. Veterans must apply to participate in such programs.For benefits purposes, the VA must treat veterans who receive a discharge status upgrade as if the veteran completed the duty to which the veteran was assigned at the time they were discharged from service.If a veteran dies after the enactment of this bill, a surviving spouse is eligible to participate in the DOD compensation program.The bill provides a rebuttable presumption of eligibility for the programs for a veteran who gave birth, obtained custody, adopted a child, or experienced an incomplete pregnancy during the 10-month period after the veteran was separated from service.
If enacted, the WISER Act would create an irrebuttable presumption of eligibility for women veterans involuntarily separated post-service, allowing them to upgrade their discharge status. Eligible veterans can apply for a one-time compensation benefit of $25,000, while surviving spouses may also access this benefit in case of the veteran's death post-enactment. This move is expected to positively impact the financial stability and recognition of these veterans, aiding their reintegration into civilian life and helping to mitigate the long-lasting effects of their service-related challenges.
House Bill 660, known as the Women Involuntarily Separated Earning Remittance Act of 2025 (WISER Act), aims to provide compensation and discharge status upgrades for certain women veterans who were involuntarily separated from military service under Executive Order 10240. The bill establishes programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, targeting veterans who served between April 1951 and February 1976. The intention of this legislation is to address the historical injustices faced by these women, ensuring they receive acknowledgment and compensation for their service.
The bill may encounter opposition and debate regarding its funding and scope. Critics might argue about the financial implications of implementing the compensation provisions, especially if the appropriations are not fully secured. Additionally, discussions could arise about the criteria set for eligibility and the potential disparities in treatment when comparing women's service experiences to those of their male counterparts. These factors may require careful consideration during the legislative process to ensure fairness and equity in veteran support.
Armed Forces and National Security