SANCHEZ ON CHANGES TO THE BAN ON WOMEN SERVING IN COMBAT

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), founder and co-chair of the Women in the Military Caucus and the second ranked Democrat and highest ranked female on the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to media reports that tomorrow Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will announce changes to the ban on women serving in combat.

“I have been a firm believer in removing the archaic combat exclusion policy for many years.  I am happy to hear the Secretary will be making significant changes as part of an effort to expand opportunities for women in the military. I look forward to hearing the details tomorrow when I am briefed by the office of the Secretary, and to working to implement any changes that will completely integrate women into the military.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 46th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and parts of the cities of Garden Grove and Orange in Orange County.  She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and the second ranked Democrat on the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.