Senators Coons, Duckworth, colleagues introduce resolution recognizing the service of women in combat

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined a resolution led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) 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 U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Pete Hegseth, continues to face scorching criticism for his long record of denigrating women service members who bravely serve our nation in combat roles.

"The women in our Armed Forces risk their lives every day to defend our nation, and their courage and ability to serve should never be questioned," said Senator Coons. "We are indebted to the service and great sacrifice of women in uniform, and we will honor their resilience in the face of adversity, including baseless attacks."

"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 service members is not qualified to lead our military."

In addition to Senators Coons and Duckworth, the letter is signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

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 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 Bronze Stars and Silver Stars;
• Since September 11, 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.

The full text of the resolution can be read here.