Following Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s remarks, Chrissy Houlahan, who represents Chester County in Congress, has been speaking out for women in the military, writes Julia Terruso for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Houlahan served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, later pursuing a second career as a high school chemistry teacher.

She is one of the most vocal lawmakers opposing Hegseth and changes, including returning every combat position “to the highest male standard,” which she believes could severely impact the role of women in the armed services. She recently held a town hall in Downingtown that also addressed this issue.

“He has shown his intent and I’m enormously disappointed,” said Houlahan. “Because women are enormously capable and talented, and the kind of modern warfare that we’re engaging in is not what I think that he imagines warfare is.”

While she agrees that there are standards to be upheld, she expressed worry that the changes could significantly reduce the role of women in combat and female interest in the military. 

At this time, approximately 3,800 women serve in frontline Army combat roles, with another 1,000 serving across other branches. 

Read more about Chrissy Houlahan pushing back against comments and standing up for women in the military in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA.Today in October 2025.