A bill that automatically registers men between the ages of 18 and 26 for selective service was passed by the House of Representatives on Friday.
It was included in the yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the military and national security priorities for the upcoming fiscal year of the United States government.
The NDAA for this year allocates $895.2 billion, a $9 billion increase over the budget for the military in fiscal 2024.
All male U.S. citizens are required to register for the military draft, commonly known as selective service, when they turn 18, even though it hasn’t been used in more than 50 years. Ignorance of registration is a criminal offense that carries a number of legal ramifications.
The amendment’s proponents contend that it would reduce the amount of bureaucratic red tape, assist American residents in avoiding needless legal troubles, and reduce the amount of tax money spent on those cases’ prosecution.
The House Armed Services Committee’s version of the NDAA passed it in May under the leadership of Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. With a resounding 57 votes to 1, the NDAA passed out of committee.
According to Defense News, Houlahan stated during last month’s discussion, “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.”
“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 largest-ever military pay rise in history was also included in the NDAA, with junior enlisted troops receiving a 19.5% increase and other troops receiving a 4.5% boost.
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Among other things, it provided money for the acquisition of two new Virginia-class submarines and the creation of an army drone unit.
By a vote of 217 to 199, the NDAA was approved by the House, although it seems unclear that the Senate would take it up.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York, attacked the plan on Friday afternoon because it contained amendments that would have cut funds for diversity initiatives, abortion rights, 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,” 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.”
