Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement after the U.S. Defense Department announced it will lift the ban on women serving in combat. Senator Gillibrand fought for and secured a Defense Department feasibility report on lifting the ban as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2013 that passed in December.
“This is a proud day for our country and the step we need to formally recognize the brave women who are already fighting and dying for our country shoulder-to-shoulder with their brothers in uniform on the frontlines.
“This decision finally opens the door for more qualified women to excel in our military and advance their careers, and obtain all of the benefits they have earned.
“Officially recognizing women in combat will strengthen our country both morally and militarily, and create promising opportunities for the brave women who serve our country, and the families that stand by them.”