(AP) - An Arizona congresswoman is criticizing the Obama administration for refusing to allow a group of female World War II pilots from having their ashes laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Speaking Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Republican Martha McSally says it’s ironic and cruel for the administration to open up all combat jobs to women while simultaneously denying the female pilots the honor they deserve.
Known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, the women flew aircraft in noncombat roles to free up male pilots for combat.
For years, the women were permitted to have their ashes placed at Arlington. But last year, the Army rescinded their eligibility and said they never should have been allowed in.
McSally and other lawmakers are backing legislation to reverse the Army’s decision.
In February, two dozen senators — led by Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson and Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal — called on Acting Army Secretary Patrick Murphy to restore WASPs’ eligibility.
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