Merkley, Wyden Join 20 Senators to Introduce Resolution Recognizing the Service of Women in Combat

Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that they joined Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution honoring the service of women in combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces. The resolution comes as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense (DoD), Pete Hegseth, continues to face scorching criticism for, among many other reasons, his long record of denigrating women servicemembers who bravely serve our nation in combat roles.

"The brave women in uniform who serve and sacrifice for our nation deserve our utmost respect, as do all heroes who put themselves in harm's way to defend our very way of life," Merkley said. "Pete Hegseth's denigration of the role of women in our Armed Forces is beneath the office of the Secretary of Defense. We salute the women in our Armed Forces who stand guard in defense of our freedom."

"Proud, determined, and skilled women serve our country every day and have been doing so since America's founding," 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."

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.

The resolution is led by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and supported by Senators Merkley, Wyden, 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), 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), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

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