Two Congressmen have introduced legislation that would require women to register for the selective service.
The bill is known as the Draft America’s Daughters Act (H.R. 4478), and is being introduced by Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT), both retired military members. It would require registration for women no later than 90 days after the enactment of the measure or 90 days after the Secretary of Defense opens all combat specialties.
The legislation is being introduced as a way to stimulate further debate in Congress about the Pentagon’s decision to allow women in combat.
According to Hunter, “It’s wrong and irresponsible to make wholesale changes to the way America fights its wars without the American people having a say on whether their daughters and sisters will be on the front lines of combat. If this Administration wants to send 18-20 year old women into combat, to serve and fight on the front lines, then the American people deserve to have this discussion through their elected representatives. This discussion should have occurred before decision making of any type, but the fact that it didn’t now compels Congress to take a honest and thorough look at the issue.”
Zinke said, “The decision was made by the Administration against the advice of the U.S. Marine Corps and Special Forces. The natural conclusion of that policy is that this opens young women up to the draft. This is a very important issue that touches the heart of American family, and I believe we need to have an open and honest discussion about it.”
