Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) issued the follow statement today in response to reports that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will announce that he will lift the ban on women serving in combat.

“I applaud Secretary Panetta’s decision to remove restrictions to women serving in combat. This change reflects the realities of modern military operations and will better recognize the contributions of the thousands of women who have been serving in combat-like roles for years without the credit and opportunity that these positions warrant.”