House Puts Women In Combat Nonsense to Rest

For now at least:

House Republicans Drop Provision That Would Limit Role of Women in Combat Zones
By LIZ SIDOTI Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON May 25, 2005 — The House on Wednesday rejected a Republican effort to put new limits on the role of military women in combat zones.

In a retreat, the GOP-controlled House voted to let the Pentagon continue deciding what positions women can serve in, as long as defense officials give Congress enough advance notice.

That proposal was among the amendments the House approved on a 428-1 vote and added to a bill that sets defense policy and spending for next year. The earlier provision on women in combat had drawn opposition from Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and lawmakers in both parties.

However, I wouldn't really consider this much of a victory for proponents of women in combat, particularly as these new developments simply maintain the status quo. I am of the opinion that House Democrats should use this Republican misadventure as ammunition for proactive government policies which would expand the role of women in the military.