The role of women in the United States armed services became an important political topic in 1991. Women military personnel had engaged in combat in the most recent U.S. military actions: Grenada in 1983 Panama in 1989, and the Gulf War in 1991. Senator William V. Roth (R-DE) introduced a Senate bill in 1991 to clarify women's roles in the armed forces, including combat. Representative Patricia Schroeder (D-CO1) and Beverly B. Byron (D-MD6) then convinced the House Armed Services Committee to amend the House bill under consideration for military appropriations for 1992 and 1993 to allow combat roles for military women. In the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator John Glenn (D-OH) opined that a thorough review and study of the issue of women's role in the armed services would take up to 18 months. Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), Chair of the Senate Committee, then introduced several Senate bills—102 S. 1507, 102 S. 1508, 102 S. 1509, and 102 S. 1515—to create just such a commission. The Congressional conference committee chosen to reconcile the House and Senate versions of bills for 1992-1993 military appropriations (of which Sen. Nunn was a member) included creating the Commission in the approved 1992-1993 military appropriations law. Official name "Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces" Enabling authority Public Law 102-190, National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1992 -1993 (December 5, 1991). Sections 541 through 549. Purposes "In general, the Commission shall assess the laws and policies restricting the assignment of female service members and shall make findings on such matters" Specific matters for the Commission to study included Combat readiness of armed forces permitting women combat roles Their physical fitness The effect of pregnancy and other absences Unit morale and cohesion Public attitudes regarding military women assigned combat roles Legal implications of Draft and conscription of women Voluntary assignments for women in combat roles Involuntary assignments for women in combat roles Modification of facilities, quarters, vehicles, and equipment for women in combat roles Training of women in the combat skills to use these combat materials Costs involved in these modifications and training for women for combat roles Implications of allowing or restricting women from combat roles on the recruitment and retention of armed forces personnel Membership The President appoints the 15 commission members from among those in the public or private sector the President feels have both distinguished themselves in their