Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that the Department of Defense would allow women to serve in all combat positions:
"The removal of these outdated restrictions will broaden the pool of talent available to the Department of Defense and strengthen our Armed Forces. The Pentagon's decision comes after nearly five years of extensive review. Permitting women to serve in all combat jobs allows the military to fill each position with the most qualified person possible, regardless of gender. From the service academies to the battlefield, American women have proven their grit, their skills, and their patriotism. As a representative of Military City USA, I welcome this change, and am proud that our great nation will now allow qualified women to bravely serve their country in these roles."