WASHINGTON, DC - Today, following the Pentagon's announcement that it will lift a decades-old policy that prohibits women from serving aboard U.S. Navy submarines, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, issued the following statement:

"I strongly support the Navy's decision to integrate women into our submarines forces. We want the best and brightest on board our submarines. Female sailors are already serving, and in some cases commanding, every other type of naval ship. Attitudes toward women serving in the military have changed and our policies must change too."

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates notified Congress of the plans, which are supported by the Secretary of the Navy, the chief of naval operations, and Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Congress now has 30 legislative days to consider the proposal.