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“Debate Ignites Over Requiring Women to Register for Military Draft”
A recent move by Senate Democrats to include a provision in the annual defense authorization bill that requires women to register for the draft has sparked significant controversy. This amendment has faced staunch opposition from Republicans and social conservatives, complicating the bill’s progression in the Senate as Election Day approaches.
Leading the opposition, Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and his conservative colleagues are determined to remove the provision. This contentious issue poses a challenge for Democratic senators like Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), who are facing tight reelection battles.
Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown, who is running against Rosen in Nevada, has seized on this issue. An Army veteran, Brown criticized Rosen in a video, highlighting the high costs of war and opposing the mandatory draft registration for women.
“Look at my face. This is the high cost of war,” Brown stated, referring to his severe injuries from an IED explosion. He and his wife, Amy, volunteered to serve, but he argues that forcing America’s daughters to register is unacceptable. He further expressed his disapproval on social media, calling for a reversal of the policy.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) echoed Brown’s sentiments, labeling the provision “insane” and accusing the Biden administration of pushing a “woke agenda” at the Pentagon. Hawley has previously led efforts to remove similar language from the defense bill in past years.
Advancing American Freedom, a group associated with former Vice President Mike Pence, also voiced its opposition, declaring the requirement for women to register for the draft as untenable.
Despite the backlash, Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) defended the policy, arguing that women already play crucial roles in the military that don’t necessarily involve front-line combat. Reed emphasized the need for a broad pool of capable individuals, especially in technical and intelligence roles, should a draft become necessary.
The debate cuts across party lines, with some Republicans showing support for the policy, viewing it as a step towards equality in national service obligations. However, the controversy has cast doubts on whether Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will bring the bill to the floor before the election.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) urged Schumer to prioritize the defense bill, highlighting its importance for national security. He criticized Democrats for potentially delaying the bill’s passage due to internal disagreements.
This contentious issue has significant implications for Democrats in battleground states, with opponents like Steve Daines (R-Mont.) leveraging it to galvanize support. Daines and other Republicans have historically opposed the draft registration for women, arguing that voluntary service should suffice.
As the debate continues, the provision’s future remains uncertain, with strong opinions on both sides influencing the legislative process and potentially impacting upcoming elections.