Selective Service: Women Registrations Proposed, Men To Be Automatically Drafted

The House of Representatives on Friday passed a measure to automatically register men aged 18 to 26 for selective service. The bill was a part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets US military and national security priorities over the next year. This fiscal year a whopping $895.2 billion has been authorized in military spending, a $9 billion increase from fiscal 2024.

What is Selective Service?

Selective Service is the system used by the United States government to keep track of individuals who might be eligible for military conscription (the draft). The primary purpose of the system is to ensure that the US can quickly mobilize military forces in the event of a national emergency requiring more troops than the volunteer military can provide.

What’s changing?

The Selective Service system has not been invoked in over half a century. However, it is mandatory for all male US citizens to register for selective service – also known as military draft when they turn 18. A failure to register is considered as a felony.

This year’s NDAA advanced through the committee in a 57 to 1 vote and through the House in a 217 to 199 vote. It is unlikely to clear the Senate. The biggest change proposed is automatic drafting of males between 18-26 years.

Debate point:

The NDAA would amend “the Military Selective Service Act to require the registration of women for Selective Service,” according to the summary, which also notes that the “Committee voted 22-3 to advance the NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to the Senate floor.”

GOP Rep. Chip Roy reacted to the provision saying: “You can go straight to hell. Over my dead body.”