Defense bill that would automatically register male citizens for the draft passes House, seems doomed to die in Senate

WASHINGTON, DC - In a 217-199 vote, the House of Representatives has passed a measure that would automatically register 18–26-year-old males for selective service.

The measure comes as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which is reviewed annually and sets “military and national security priorities for the next fiscal year,” Fox News reported.

Currently, registering for the selective service, which is in place in the event of a military draft, is a requirement for all male citizens in the United States once they turn 18. Failure to do so can result in a felony charge and fines along with legal challenges. Once the male turns 19, they can no longer rectify the situation by registering.

It has been more than 50 years since the military draft was invoked and this new defense bill aims to streamline the registration process should the time come again to call for help.

“By using available federal databases, the agency will be able to register all of the individuals required and thus help ensure that any future military draft is fair and equitable. This will also allow us to rededicate resources, basically that means money, towards reading readiness and towards mobilization rather than towards education and advertising campaigns driven to register people,” Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa said during a May debate reported by Defense News.

Houlahan led the charge on the measure with supporters saying that it will assist United States citizens in avoiding unnecessary legal issues as well as cut down bureaucratic red tape and limit tax dollars funding the prosecution of those legal cases.

Meanwhile Chuck Shumer, D- N.Y., has criticized the bill over included amendments that limit funding for diversity efforts, abortion, and transgender medical care.

“Unsurprisingly, the legislation coming out of the House today is loaded with anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, anti-environment, and other divisive amendments guaranteed not to pass the Senate. As we move forward with this year’s NDAA process, both sides will have to work together to pass bipartisan legislation that honors and respects all who serve in defense of our nation,” Shumer stated.

This year’s NDAA does include a 19.5% pay increase for junior enlisted troops, as well as 4.5% for other military members. This is a historical pay raise for the military, being the largest pay raise they have received to date.

Also included in the NDAA is funding to create a drone force within the United States Army and for two new Virginia-class submarines, in addition to other provisions.

Despite the support for the bill in the House, it does not appear that the Senate will take the same stance with many of the amendments currently in place.
 
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Comments

Carlton

Nobody wants to serve in a woke military.

Laura

No person with common sense would want to be cannon fodder for two foreign country's battle. (Russia vs Ukraine or Taiwan vs China,etc.) Woke agendas being pushed incl.

Robin

All persons in the United States as Citizens, immigrants, including illegals who are 18 years of age up to 26 years of age, whether male or female, should be required to register for the Draft. There should be a system to cross check anyone in that category who is NOT registered and force compliance. I was drafted for Vietnam, but I had already begun the process of joining the Navy. Served my time with my fellow Veterans. Actually it should be mandatory government service once a person turns 18, graduates from High School or drops out of school - not necessarily the military, but public service, for a period of two year, fully trained and paid by the taxpayers. Help them grow up, learn a trade, prepare for college, be good Citizens!

Rick

Make the military about strength and courage again instead of a stupid, woke political experiment and maybe desirable people will join. However, I like the idea of the draft and mandatory service but only if it includes ALL Americans. I laugh at feminists who remain silent about not being included in the draft. I guess even they realize not being truly equal in all things genetic is a good thing.

Patrick

Why was my comment blocked?

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