AUTOMATIC SIGN-UP FOR MILITARY DRAFT

PROPOSED BY U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE

On May 22, 2024, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee (HASC) approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would automatically register all draft-age male U.S. residents (age 18-26) with the Selective Service System (SSS) for a possible military draft. The new system would replace the draft registration system that has been in effect since 1980, which allows young men to choose to be drafted should the government require it.

The automatic draft registration proposal was introduced by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), HASC Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) "wholeheartedly" endorsed the proposal, and it was approved by a voice vote of the full committee without any audible opposition.

The provisions for automatic draft registration have been added to the National Defense Authorization Act that will go to the House floor. This provision will likely remain in the version of the NDAA adopted later this year by the full House unless a vote to remove it occurs.

H.R.8070 - Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Congress.Gov)

H.R. 8070 - Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Rules.House.Gov)

Amendment To H.R. 8070 Offered By Ms. Houlahan Of Pennsylvania PDF (Docs.House.Gov, 5-13-24)

20240522 FY25 NDAA Full Committee Markup Part 2 Video (HASC YouTube, 5-22-24) (begins at 36:20)

Houlahan’s Legislation Secured as Core of Annual Defense Bill (Chrissy Houlahan Press Release, 5-22-24)

Lawmakers move to automate Selective Service registration for all men (Federal Times, 5-22-24)

House passes draft registration amid recruitment crisis (Washington Examiner, 6-17-24)