SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO REACTS TO REPORTS OF THE MILITARY LIFTING BAN ON WOMEN SERVING IN COMBAT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, released the following statement reacting to reports that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is removing the military’s ban on women serving in combat:

 

"Today's news is a great step toward equality. These restrictions that block women from serving in active combat roles make no sense in today’s modern military. All Americans deserve the opportunity to defend our nation regardless of gender, and I know that the women who currently serve in the military think they should be treated the same as any other servicemember. Women serving in combat roles will strengthen our national security, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will work closely with military and administration officials to see this change through.”