Requiring Women to Register for the Draft (H.R. 4478)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 4478?
(Updated July 28, 2021)
This bill — known as the Draft America’s Daughters Act — would require women to register for the draft within 90 days of the legislation’s enactment or within 90 days of the Dept. of Defense (DOD) opening all combat specialties to women.
Registration would be done through the Selective Service System — an independent agency tasked with implementing the military draft if the U.S. returns to using compulsory enlistment to grow the ranks of the Armed Forces. Under current law, women are not permitted to register.
The same age requirements for draft registration as apply to men would be in effect for women, so ladies between the ages of 18 and 26 would be required to keep a current registration on file with Selective Service.
Individuals must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday, and notify Selective Service within 10 days of changing any information they provided on their initial registration form.
Failing to register for the draft can impact an individual’s eligibility for federal student loans and grants, government jobs, and job training. Immigrants who reside in the U.S. but are non-citizens are also required to register for the draft, and failing to do so may lead to their being denied U.S. citizenship by Citizenship and Immigration Services. Failing to register for the draft is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years, as is aiding someone’s non-registration.
Argument in favor
If women are going to be allowed into more significant combat roles within the U.S. military, they should have to register for the draft as men do and face the same penalties for failing to register.
Argument opposed
Women should only be required to register for the draft if they’re participating in all combat roles. Not only that, but the U.S. hasn’t used a military draft in decades, so registering is unnecessary for now.
Impact
Women between the age of 18 and 26; the military; Selective Service; and the Dept. of Defense.
Cost of H.R. 4478
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) introduced this legislation to give Congress an opportunity to lobby against the DOD allowing women to participate in all combat roles, adding that he may vote against it should it proceed to the House floor:
“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.”
Beginning in January 2016, the DOD lifted all gender-based restrictions on military service, thereby allowing women to serve in combat roles. Subsequently, the commandant of the Marine Corps and the Army Chief of Staff both recommended that women register for the draft if all combat jobs are open to women.
Media:
- Sponsoring Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) Press Release
- ABC News
- Billings Gazette
- Fox News
- The Hill
- Military Times
- Stars and Stripes
- Washington Post
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user expertinfantry)
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