Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), delivered the following remarks from the House floor concerning the provision within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 requiring women to register for the Selective Service.
As Prepared for Delivery:
"The National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision requiring women to register for the selective service. All men have 30 days from their 18th birthday to register for the selective service in case a draft becomes necessary. The last draft was called in 1972.
"We are fortunate to have an all-volunteer military force, and our citizens unite in times of need rather than run scared. The selective service has outlived its necessity.
"However, since it remains a requirement, we must not fundamentally change the relationship between the government and the governed by slipping a provision to add women to the draft into this massive defense bill.
"A change of this magnitude requires its own vote by every Member representing their constituents. I supported an amendment to strike this language from the bill, but the Democrats are not permitting its consideration on the floor. I believe this is a mistake."
