Sen. Hirono backs measure recognizing women in combat
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U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz joined Sens. Patty Murray, Tammy Duckworth and more than a dozen other Democrats in introducing a resolution honoring the service of women in combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Hirono is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. According to the senator's office, the resolution comes as President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, faces criticism for remarks Hirono's office has described as "denigrating women servicemembers who serve the nation in combat roles."
"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," Hirono said in a statement. "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 says women have honorably served in the armed services with distinction since the Revolutionary War, and the Department of Defense announced the opening of all military occupations and specialties to women in December 2015.
The resolution adds that women have received numerous commendations for their service in combat after September 2001, including Silver Stars and Bronze Stars, and since Sept. 11, 2001, approximately 3,000 women have earned Combat Action Badges and Combat Action Ribbons.