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).

"Every single day, women in our Armed Forces put their lives on the line to defend our nation. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth has spent decades denigrating the role of women in the military in ways that simply don't square with the reality of the real and needed contributions women servicemembers are making today, including in combat-his very recent about-face on this topic is simply not convincing. The contributions of our women servicemembers, their courage, and the immense sacrifices they make to keep us safe should never be questioned or demeaned-especially not by someone under consideration to lead the Department of Defense," said Senator Murray. "I am proud to lead this resolution with my friend Senator Duckworth to send a strong message to every woman who bravely serves our nation in combat: we stand with you, we celebrate you, and our nation is forever grateful for your service."

"Contrary to what Pete Hegseth has said repeatedly, women have always made our military stronger and are more qualified to serve in their roles than Pete Hegseth is to serve as Secretary of Defense," said Senator Duckworth. "There is no U.S. military as we know it without the incredible women who have earned their places in their units by going through the same rigorous physical testing and training that men do. I'm proud to co-lead this resolution with Senator Murray to honor our women warriors and make clear that any nominee who doesn't understand the essential value of female servicemembers is not qualified to lead our military."

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.

"Across the country, women in uniform make incredible sacrifices to defend our freedoms. They deserve to be recognized for their brave service regardless of who leads the Department of Defense," said Senator Bennet. "I'm glad to join my colleagues on this important resolution to honor women in combat roles for their critical contributions to our national security and military readiness."

"The brave women of our Armed Forces make sacrifices every day in service to our nation, and they deserve recognition and honor for their tireless commitment to protecting our country. Their heroism, courage, and strength serve as a model for all Americans. Pete Hegseth's attitude of disrespect towards women in our military discredits not only the capability of women servicemembers, but also of our nation's military strength as a whole. This resolution rightfully recognizes the contributions of our nation's women servicemembers to our national security and acts as a message of solidarity to the brave women dedicated to defending our country," said Senator Blumenthal.

"Our military is made up of dedicated service members, including women serving in combat roles, who risk their lives for our country. To disparage the commitment and sacrifice of women serving in our Armed Forces is upsetting and unbecoming of a potential leader of our nation's military," said Senator Durbin. "Because Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth refuses to acknowledge the sacrifices of women in the military, I hope this resolution makes it clear that our nation is proud of and grateful for the women who have volunteered to serve our country in uniform."

"Thousands of brave women serve in our armed forces, making the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, protect our national security, and keep us safe," said Senator Hirono. "Pete Hegseth lacks the understanding of how crucial these women are to our military. Our female servicemembers deserve a Secretary of Defense who does not undermine and disparage them or their contributions. I am proud to cosponsor this important resolution, to honor every woman who serves our nation in combat roles."

"The women who are bravely serving our nation in combat deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and appreciation. This resolution is a symbol of our country's eternal gratitude for their dedication and service," said Senator Rosen. "No one who denigrates women's service in combat has any place leading the Pentagon, which is why I'll continue to strongly oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense."

"With nearly 400,000 women serving in our military, and data showing fewer separations between the roles that they serve in, it's as clear as ever that women are a critical part of our military - including in combat roles," said Senator Shaheen. "I'm proud to be a part of this resolution expressing our profound gratitude to the women who risked everything to protect our freedoms."

"Women have made extraordinary sacrifices over the years to serve our country in combat. Time and again, they've put themselves in grave danger to defend our values and freedoms, and they - along with their loved ones - deserve our gratitude and respect," said Senator Schatz.

"The U.S. military is the best in the world and the contributions of our women servicemembers play a key role in that success. They put themselves in harm's way and make enormous sacrifices to defend all of us and our national security," said Senator Smith. "Women in combat deserve recognition, and I am proud to cosponsor this resolution that does just that."

"The hundreds of thousands of women serving our nation across every branch of the military are an integral part of our country's defense, and they deserve our support and gratitude. They do not deserve to have their sacrifices diminished or their ability to protect our country questioned, especially not by those who seek to lead them. Women in combat roles put their lives on the line every day to stand up for America - America needs to stand with them in return," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Proud, determined, and skilled women serve our country every day and have been doing so since America's founding," Senator Wyden said. "This nominee has denigrated women in all areas of his life. To put him in charge of women who choose to put their lives at risk for our nation is an insult to them, their families, and America. These women are more honorable than Pete Hegseth has ever been. I commend Senators Murray and Duckworth for leading this resolution that salutes all the women who have served our nation. Let's show them the dignity, honor, and respect they have always deserved."

As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118^th 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.

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