Military Women Recognized by Senate

On February 28, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution recognizing women serving in the United States Armed Forces (S. Con. Res. 8).

The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), contains the following findings:

• Women have served with distinction in the United States armed forces since the American Revolution and have made significant and lasting contributions to the security of the United States;
• In 2011, women comprise nearly sixteen percent of the United States armed forces and serve in positions of responsibility in the active and reserve components of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as compared with less than five percent in 1976 when women were first integrated into the service academies;
• Women serve at the highest levels in the Department of Defense and other governmental organizations, contributing to the defense of the United States; and
• The accomplishments of generations of women have contributed to the history of the United States armed forces and to the strength of the United States.

The resolution “recognizes the importance of women to national defense throughout the history of the United States,” and “encourages the people of the United States to honor women who have served and who continue to serve the United States in the United States armed forces.”