If the U.S. went to war and turned to the military draft to enlist more soldiers, should women be required to serve? That is the question lawmakers debate on Capitol Hill as they build the military budget for 2025.
Right now, selective service laws require men between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for a potential draft. Women do not have to register for selective service, but the 2025 budget could change that.
The Senate and House both developed versions of the military budget. The House passed its version of the bill on Tuesday, June 18. The Senate’s version includes a provision that would require women to enroll in the mandatory registration process, however, senators have not held a vote yet.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
Many Republican lawmakers are against the proposal, but universal selective service is not a new idea. Democrats, including the chair of the Armed Services Committee, have attempted to pass the provision for several years.
“If we were in a situation requiring a draft, I think we would need all able-bodied citizens 18 and above,” Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said. “It’s not like World War II where we need a lot of infantry. We need cyber experts, we need intelligence analysts, linguists, etc. Wait a second, there are a lot of women out there that can do this better than men.”
While several lawmakers, including Reed, spoke in favor of the provision, others shared strong opinions against women enrolling in selective service. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told Fox News that he thinks of the bill’s impact on his daughter.
“One day, if she wants to volunteer for the armed forces, that is terrific,” Hawley said. “But the idea that she would be drafted against her will is insane, and I bet every father in America feels the same way.”
The Senate’s version of the defense package, which includes this controversial position, passed through committee in a 22-3 vote. However, some of the senators who voted for the bill face pushback on the campaign trail.
Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen voted to approve the budget and is in a close race with Republican candidate Sam Brown, an Army veteran who was severely burned by an explosive in Afghanistan. He pushed back against Rosen and the provision in a post on X.
