Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), led 20 other senators in introducing a resolution honoring the service of women in combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces. The resolution comes as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense (DoD), Pete Hegseth, continues to face scorching criticism for, among many other things, his long record of denigrating women servicemembers who bravely serve our nation in combat roles. The resolution can be viewed HERE.
Joining Senators Murray and Duckworth in introducing the resolution today were Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The senators’ resolution “recognizes the contribution, bravery, and sacrifices of women serving in combat roles in the Armed Forces; and encourages the continued celebration of the achievements of women in the Armed Forces to inspire future generations,” noting specifically that:
- Women have honorably served in the Armed Services with distinction since the Revolutionary War;
- The Department of Defense announced the opening of all military occupations and specialties to women in December 2015;
- Women have received numerous commendations for their service in combat after September 2001, including Bronze Stars and Silver Stars;
- Since September 11, approximately 3,000 women have earned Combat Action Badges and Combat Action Ribbons;
- Women in the military serve in special forces units, including as Army Rangers, Air Force Special Operators, and in the Marine Corps Special Operations Command.
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress, Senator Murray prioritized investments in our servicemembers and military families, including by delivering on a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers, expanding child care services, increasing funding for sexual assault prevention services, and boosting mental health and suicide prevention resources. Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee, and as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting servicemembers—especially women servicemembers—when they come home has long been a top priority for her.
The resolution can be viewed HERE.