Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) expressed his opposition to a proposal by House Republicans on the Armed Services Committee to prohibit the assignment of female members of the Army to Forward Support Companies. The provision was inserted by a party line vote during a subcommittee mark up of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Today the full committee begins its mark up of NDAA, and Larsen will oppose any effort put forth that will limit the service of women in the military.

“This shortsighted and dangerous proposal to further limit women’s service in the U.S. military disrespects the brave and proud service of our women in the military,” Larsen said.

“In addition, it would undermine our national security and our military readiness. If the proposal went into effect as written, the Army estimates that 21,925 spaces currently open to women would be closed,” Larsen pointed out.

Larsen sent a letter with Democratic colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (CA-52) voicing their strong opposition to this proposed legislation that would limit the service of women in the U.S. military.

In the letter, Larsen and his colleagues wrote, “This amendment ties the hands of military commanders in a time of war when they are already dealing with many significant battlefield changes.”

It continues, “This amendment imposes unwarranted and unanticipated obstacles on the career advancement opportunities of our women serving in the Army, women who serve by the thousands in Iraq and Afghanistan today.”

Larsen serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District that includes Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.