Published in Punchbowl News
Written by Brianna Reilly


Hegseth directed the shuttering of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. The decades-old panel had focused on recruitment initiatives and the creation of policies on issues ranging from health care to combat gear for female service members.

Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) are calling for the “immediate reinstatement” of the committee in a letter they’re circulating for signatures this week. If that doesn’t happen by the end of October, they want an in-person briefing with Hegseth to explain the “rationale and evidence behind” the decision.

The duo is also denouncing Hegseth’s declaration that the military services ensure requirements for their combat roles return “to the highest-male standard only.”

Houlahan and Goodlander argue these moves are the latest examples of “attempts to attack” the merits of female service members.

Houlahan previously served in the Air Force, while Goodlander is a former intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Both lawmakers sit on the House Armed Services Committee.

Hegseth’s history. Women’s role in the military has been an area of focus for Hegseth — and it’s an issue that drew a lot of scrutiny during his January confirmation hearing.

Hegseth also faced backlash for his comments at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., last week in which he unveiled “gender-neutral” physical standards. Hegseth acknowledged the change could result in no women qualifying for some combat jobs, though he said “that is not the intent.”