Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Recognizing the Service of Women in Combat

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and 19 Senate colleagues 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. Earlier this week at his confirmation hearing, Senator Hirono pressed Mr. Hegseth on numerous reports of personal misconduct, sexual assault, and whether he will be loyal to the Constitution or Donald Trump.

"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 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 DOD 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 Silver Stars and Bronze Stars;
• Since September 11, 2001, approximately 3,000 women have earned Combat Action Badges and Combat Action Ribbons; and
• 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.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, and Duckworth, 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), 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) cosponsored the resolution.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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