About 10,000 military veterans were discharged between World War II and the 2011 repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell because of their sexual orientations. Many of them were robbed of an honorable discharge and given more humiliating titles, such as Class II Homosexual, rendering them ineligible for veterans benefits and costing them their jobs and housing.

A new bill submitted to Congress named the Restore Honor to Service Members Act would help upgrade the discharges of gay veterans and grant them the recognition they earned years ago.

The bipartisan bill is spearheaded by U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Charlie Rangel (D-NY). Pocan is one of six gay representatives currently serving in Congress, and Rangel is an Army veteran.

“For too long, tens of thousands of men and women who selflessly risked their lives for our country have lived with the dishonorable records that came from the unjust `Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy,” said Pocan. “But the support we have received for our legislation demonstrates the country’s strong desire to close the book on `Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ and rightfully recognize the service of all of our courageous service members. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move forward with this effort and restore honor to all of our brave veterans.”

“As an American, a Congressman, and a Korean War Veteran, I was proud to join my colleagues in ending the discriminatory law that previously barred open gay and lesbian soldiers from serving their country,” said Rangel. “Now is the time to finish the job and ensure that all those who served honorably are recognized for their Honorable service regardless of their sexual orientation.”