September 4, 2026
Mrs. Bice (for herself, Ms. Houlahan, Mr. Womack, and Ms. Elfreth) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the admission of women to the United States service academies and honoring the pioneering women of the Class of 1980.
Whereas, on October 7, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94–106, requiring the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy to admit qualified women for the first time;
Whereas in the summer of 1976, women reported for duty at each of the service academies, joining the Class of 1980 and marking the beginning of gender integration in the Nation’s most prestigious military training institutions;
Whereas 119 female cadets entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on July 7, 1976;
Whereas 81 female midshipmen entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland for the first time on July 6, 1976;
Whereas 157 female cadets entered the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 28, 1976;
Whereas 38 female cadets entered the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut on June 28, 1976;
Whereas these pioneering women faced significant cultural, physical, and institutional challenges as they broke barriers and set new standards of excellence;
Whereas the women of the Class of 1980 demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline, and commitment to service, paving the way for generations of women to lead as officers in the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas since 1980, tens of thousands of women have graduated from the service academies and have served with distinction in every branch of the Armed Forces, including in combat roles, command positions, and senior leadership; and
Whereas the integration of women into the service academies has strengthened the Armed Forces and advanced the Nation’s commitment to equality, opportunity, and merit-based service: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
celebrates the 50th anniversary of the admission of women to the United States service academies;
(2)
honors the pioneering women of the Class of 1980, whose courage and perseverance opened doors for future generations; recognizes the contributions of all women graduates of the service academies who have served the Nation with honor and distinction; reaffirms the commitment of the United States to ensuring equal opportunity in military education and service; and
(3)
encourages the service academies to continue documenting, preserving, and sharing the history of women’s integration and leadership within the Armed Forces.