Blumenthal bill aims to end discrimination against military service members

Blumenthal said the Veterans and Service Members Employment Rights and Housing Act was needed because sometimes employers, realtors or landlords discriminate against veterans and services members.

{mosads}S. 1281 allows veterans and service members facing discrimination to appeal their grievances to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Fair Housing Act would be amended to add military status as being protected for service members or veterans who want to rent or buy a home.

The senator said some employers discriminate against service members because they are worried about redeployment and some landlords have “negative stereotype” about veterans.

Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) and Jim Renacci (R-Ohio) are sponsoring a companion measure in the House.

“Our service members have fought hard to protect the freedoms we are so blessed to enjoy in America, often risking their lives in the process,” Renacci said. “Under no circumstances should the brave men and women of our Armed Forces face job or housing discrimination based on the service they provided our country, especially considering the sacrifices their families have already made in their absence.”