Congressman Conaway Introduces Bill to Protect Access to Veterans Benefits

Washington D.C. — Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD (NJ-03) and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01), led seven of their Democratic colleagues in introducing the Protecting our Forces’ Benefits Act, which would ensure service members separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis that the member has pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) receive an honorable discharge and are eligible for veterans benefits. 

PFB is a painful inflammatory skin condition caused by regular shaving which disproportionately affects Black service members. In August 2025, Secretary Hegseth set a grooming standard for facial hair in which all personnel were to be clean-shaven while in uniform or on duty. Although service members with PFB can request a medical shaving waiver, the waiver is limited to 12 months, after which they may face administrative separation from the military if their medical condition persists. Due to the time-in-service requirements in place, some of these service members will not be eligible for VA benefits such as healthcare or GI Bill benefits. 

“Our service members who have put their lives on the line defending our country deserve access to all of the benefits they are entitled to,” said Congressman Conaway, MD. “This legislation ensures that the grooming standards set by Secretary Hegseth that disproportionately affect Black service members will not prevent them from getting the benefits our country owes them for their service and sacrifice.” 

“Our service members represent the best among us, and they should be able to defend our nation with class,” said Congressman Bell. “Secretary Hegseth has set grooming standards that unfairly target Black service members suffering from PFB. This bill aims to address this unfair treatment and protect the benefits our military personnel have earned through their selfless service to our nation.”

Cosponsors supporting this legislation include Representatives Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). 

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