House Speaker Paul Ryan Thursday called for a congressional re-examination of the draft, following a committee vote to advance a measure that would require women to register for the Selective Service.
“We need to take a comprehensive look at the entire Selective Service process,” Ryan, R-Wis., said when asked about the provision to draft women into the military. “And we shouldn’t just deal with one issue at a time.”
Late Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee voted 32-30 to amend the National Defense Authorization Act with language requiring women to register for the Selective Service.
The proposal was introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., a former Marine who said he pitched the amendment to force Congress to discuss the whether women should serve on the front lines in the military.
Hunter, who does not believe women should register for the draft, voted against the amendment.
Under current law, “almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.” The last draft, however, occurred more than 40 years ago during the Vietnam War.
The entire NDAA measure passed by a vote of 60-2 early Thursday morning.
Ryan announced Thursday he’ll move the legislation to the floor for a vote, which means it is likely to pass the House with the Hunter amendment included.
“We have to bring NDAA to the floor,” Ryan said. “Not doing NDAA is not an option.”
