On Friday, the House of Representatives enacted legislation that will automatically register men aged 18 to 26 for selective service.
It was included in the yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the US government’s military and national security priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
This year’s NDAA authorized $895.2 billion in military spending, representing a $9 billion increase over fiscal 2024. While it hasn’t been used in almost a half-century, all male US residents must register for selective duty, popularly known as the military draft, when they reach 18. Failure to register is a criminal with serious legal consequences.
Supporters of the proposal say that it will reduce bureaucratic red tape, assisting US people in avoiding avoidable legal challenges, and reducing public resources spent on pursuing those cases.
It was led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., and was approved by the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the NDAA in May. The NDAA passed through the committee with a 57-1 vote.
“By using available federal databases, the [Selective Service] agency will be able to register all of the individuals required and thus help ensure that any future military draft is fair and equitable,” Houlahan stated during a debate last month, according to Defense News.
“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.” The NDAA also includes the greatest military pay boost in history, with a 19.5% rise for junior enlisted members and a 4.5% increase for others foxnews stated
It also contained financing for two new Virginia-class submarines and the creation of a drone force within the United States Army, among other provisions. The NDAA passed the House with a vote of 217 to 199, but it is unlikely to be taken up in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., attacked the bill on Friday afternoon for including changes that limit financing for abortion, transgender medical care, and diversity efforts.
“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,” Schumer stated. “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.”
