Changes would require women to register.
Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed of Rhode Island has authored a draft bill that would establish sweeping reform of America’s military draft laws. Among the changes would be one requiring women to register for the Selective Service System.
The changes to Selective Service could be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, a defense policy bill that’s one of the few pieces of legislation considered a “must-pass” by Congress. The move would reignite the debate over whether or not women should be required to register for the draft, a move the House and Senate have each considered in recent years, though the change has never become law.
The language proposed by Senator Reed would expand registration for the service to “All Americans,” striking specific references to males. It is expected to be considered during committee markup this week. Floor action on the bill would wait until later in the year.
Current law requires that men register for the service when they turn 18 for potential military conscription, although no one has been drafted into the military in more than four decades. Males who do not register can be fined, imprisoned, or denied federal jobs.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress as legislation is debated that would extend Selective Service registration requirements to all Americans.
- For the president and his military advisors as policies for the U.S. Armed Forces are implemented.
- For the Pentagon and Secretary Austin to seek God’s wisdom as they evaluate global threats and provide recommendations to the president.
Sources: Politico, The Hill
