A resolution designating June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 276
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-21: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4511; text: 6/12/2025 CR S3393)
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-24T15:34:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 276) aims to honor the contributions and sacrifices of women in the U.S. military by officially designating June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day." It recognizes their historical and ongoing service in defending the nation and its allies, while highlighting their growing role in the Armed Forces.
Key Provisions
- Historical Recognition: Acknowledges women's military involvement from the American Revolution (e.g., as "Molly Pitchers" supporting artillery) through informal service in early wars, formal roles starting with the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, and key milestones like the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which allowed women in all military branches.
- Service Examples: Details women's roles in major conflicts, including World War I (as nurses and operators), World War II (in groups like WACs, WAVES, SPARS, and WASPs), Korean and Vietnam Wars (as nurses, pilots, and specialists), and recent operations in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Operation Allies Refuge in 2021 (where two women were among 13 service members killed).
- Current Statistics: Notes that as of 2023, women make up about 18% of active-duty Armed Forces personnel (varying by branch: 22% in Air Force, 21% in Navy, etc.), 22% of National Guard and Reserves, and are the fastest-growing group among veterans (about 2.1 million women veterans, or 12% of all veterans).
- Recent Contributions: Highlights women's roles in COVID-19 response (via National Guard activations) and support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
- Challenges and Appreciation: Addresses issues like military sexual trauma (affecting 1 in 3 women veterans in VA healthcare) and encourages sharing stories through the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.
- Core Resolution: Declares June 12, 2025, as a day to spotlight women's military presence and express gratitude for their service.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It does not amend statutes, create new programs, or allocate funds; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; may indirectly encourage the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Library of Congress to promote veteran stories, but no mandates or funding changes.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of women veterans' contributions, potentially fostering greater appreciation and support for veteran services; could inspire more women to join the military or share personal histories.
- On International Relations: None directly; it briefly notes women's roles in allied support (e.g., Ukraine aid), but focuses domestically without affecting foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel: Primary beneficiaries, receiving formal recognition of their service and sacrifices.
- Military Branches and National Guard: Highlighted for their integration of women, potentially boosting morale and recruitment.
- General Public and Veterans' Organizations: Encouraged to participate in appreciation events or historical preservation efforts.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Senators Blackburn, Booker, Boozman, Collins, Rosen, and Shaheen, indicating broad congressional support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable effects; resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not require presidential approval or create binding obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express appreciation (under Article I), posing no conflicts with free speech, equality, or other rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity on honoring military service, especially women's roles, amid ongoing discussions on gender in the military and veteran support; could influence future legislation on VA benefits or trauma programs, though it stands alone as symbolic.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-21: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4511; text: 6/12/2025 CR S3393)
- 2025-07-21: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-21: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-21: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating June 12, 2025, as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day”. — issued 2025-07-21 — PDF (5 pages)
- Designating June 12, 2025, as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day”. — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (5 pages)