WASHINGTON, D.C. — There's a reason people say, "It takes an act of Congress ..." to describe seemingly simple projects that take forever to accomplish.

Washington is not a place where change comes quickly. Pushing for reforms in federal policy — even small ones — can take years of Congressional debate or repeated back-and-forth exchanges with federal agencies. Since being elected to Congress, I've seen this time and again. When the status quo negatively affects people's lives here in Maine, it's frustrating to watch.

So I'm happy to share a recent story of being able to help quickly resolve a problem that kept one young woman, and others like her, from serving our country.

More than anything, Kate Pimental of Kennebunk wants to be a Marine. And though I'm not a recruiter, it seems she has the skills and strength needed to pursue that dream. But she was turned down. Not because she wasn't strong, smart, or capable enough. But because of a small tattoo, right below her collarbone, that reads, "Let your smile change the world but never let the world change you."

While Marine Corps policy discourages accepting recruits with tattoos, waivers are regularly given if the official uniform can cover them up. For male Marines, that uniform can include a crew neck undershirt that would cover a tattoo like Pimental's. But the female uniform calls for a V-neck undershirt that leaves more of the chest area exposed.

If Kate were a man, she probably would be able to get a waiver. In my mind, that made the policy discriminatory, even if unintentionally. How many other capable women had been denied for the same reason? As the military opens up more positions — and rightfully so — to women, I thought that this was something that should be updated to provide equal opportunity.

And I wasn't the only one. As Kate's story spread, I heard from a number of constituents who supported changing the policy. The most memorable message was from a World War II veteran who said he was fortunate to fight alongside service members with tattoos on D-Day.

I wrote to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, asking him to look at the policy. Just three weeks later, we heard that the Marines will change the policy. Women will now be allowed to wear a crew neck undershirt, just like their male counterparts.

I applaud the Marine Corps for making such a swift change. It shows that they really heard our concerns and placed a high priority on policies that are fair to both men and women. I'm very thankful that a tattoo technicality will no longer prevent women like Kate from pursuing the opportunity to become Marines.

I wish change at the federal level always came so easily. I've worked for years now to make it easier for sexually assaulted veterans to get benefits from the VA, to give just one example. I'm proud to keep pushing—no matter how long it takes to get resolved—because those folks are counting on me. But quick, impactful victories like this one
energize me to keep going for the long haul.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree represents Maine's 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can contact her office by calling (207) 774-5019 or visiting pingree.house.gov/contact-chellie