(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today joined five of her Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to uphold the role of women serving in combat zones as part of the United States military. The senators introduced the resolution after attempts by the House Armed Services Committee to roll back the duties of women in combat zones.
“Our women in uniform are bravely serving and sacrificing for our country every day in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world,” Senator Murray said. “Their role is critical both to the success of our missions and meeting retention and recruiting goals. At a time when men and women are risking their lives side-by-side for the security of our country, leaders in Congress should stand shoulder-to-shoulder in support of their efforts.”
The Sense-of-the-Senate resolution recognizes the important role that women play in accomplishing the missions of our Armed Forces and urges the Senate to reject any law, policy or regulation which would roll back the positions and duties available to women in uniform.
Over 100,000 women have been deployed in support of America’s military missions since September 11th, and approximately 22,000 women are currently serving the United States military in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Women currently make up approximately 17 percent of American Armed Forces.
“I have met with women serving our country in Iraq and was struck by their bravery and professionalism,” Murray said. “Our Senate resolution sends the message that our country supports their efforts. Anything less is wrong for women, wrong for the military and wrong for America.”
The Sense of the Senate resolution was introduced by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and cosponsored by Murray, Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).
Read the text of the legislation.
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