Heritage Action for America urged the Senate Friday to vote “No” on the National Defense Authorization Act passage over concerns that the bill requires women ages 18-26 to register for the Selective Service.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter directed all gender-based requirements for the military be removed January 2016, sparking debate over women registering for the draft.
“Conservatives believe men and women have equal natural rights … but when it comes to combat-related tasks, there are differences between men and women that are relevant to accomplishing the military mission,” according to Dan Holler, vice president of communications at Heritage Action. “Military personnel policy, particularly when it comes to combat, should be determined based on military objectives and preparedness, not President Obama’s social agenda.”
Heritage Action pledged to mark the vote on final passage of the NDAA as a “key vote” on their legislative report card.
The Senate will vote on the NDAA Monday evening. If passed, the bill will go to conference with the House.
