Restoration of benefits and recognition for military and civilian personnel support to Operation Epic Fury

(a) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall restore all covered benefits to members of the Armed Services and civilian personnel who supported covered military operations since February 28, 2026, in order to comply with subsection (f) of section 991 of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 7 of this Act. (b) Notice to affected personnel Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to each member of the Armed Forces or civilian personnel whose covered benefits were modified during the covered period written notice of the restoration of benefits required by subsection (a), and of the reason for such restoration. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered benefits The term covered benefits means benefits to which members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel who support covered military operations are entitled, including Department of Defense awards or decorations, veterans’ preference accrual, contingency military leave, or other benefits associated with special pay, leave, and tax authorities in titles 10, 37, and 5, United States Code, the Department of State Standardized Regulations, Internal Revenue Service combat zone regulations, and Office of Personnel Management policies that are triggered by the statutory definition of a contingency operation. (2) Covered period The term covered period means the period beginning on February 28, 2026, and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act. (3) Covered military operations The term covered military operations means United States military activities against Iran from February 28, 2026, until the date of the enactment of this Act.