Rep. Sanchez Introduces H. Res. 904 Honoring Women in Combat

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November 16, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today introduced House Resolution 904, honoring women who have served or are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. If passed, the resolution would recognize the expanding role of women in the military and their important contributions to America's military operations at home and abroad.

"Today, I am proud to honor the strength and accomplishments of our women in uniform," said Rep. Sanchez. "It is absolutely necessary to recognize that women are now engaging in frontline duties, fighting beside our male soldiers. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to give our servicewomen the tools they need to serve safely and effectively in combat."

The full text of H. Res. 904 can be found below:

"Resolution honoring women who have served and women who are currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as members of the Armed Forces and recognizing their increasing and invaluable role to the success of current military operations.

"Whereas 225,349 women have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom as members of the United States Armed Forces;

"Whereas 29,538 female members of the Armed Forces are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;

"Whereas women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are not excluded from frontline duties;

"Whereas 120 female members of the Armed Forces have been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, and, of the women killed, 66 were killed in combat;

"Whereas 1,357 female members of the Armed Forces have been wounded in action, and, of the women wounded, 646 were wounded in hostile action;

"Whereas the nature of war has changed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, despite the prohibition on female members of the Armed Forces serving in combat, so has the role of female members of the Armed Forces;

"Whereas women routinely serve in support units, but women are increasingly attached to combat units and engaging in frontline roles potentially sacrificing their lives every day; and

"Whereas it is imperative that female members of the Armed Forces receive adequate combat training to enhance their safety: Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives:

"(1) Honors women who have served and women who are currently serving as members of the Armed Forces;

"(2) Commends female members of the Armed Forces who are currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the world protecting the United States and fighting against terrorism;

"(3) Recognizes that female members of the Armed Forces are making history everyday as they fight beside male members of the Armed Forces and are an integral and invaluable part of the Armed Forces;

"(4) Urges the Secretary of Defense to ensure that female members of the Armed Forces receive adequate combat training to prepare them for the nature of the current wars and their role in those wars; and

"(5) Recognizes that the United States must continue to encourage and support female members of the Armed Forces as they fight for and defend the United States."

Source: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez