As a result of the 9/11 terrorist acts on American soil in 2001, the United States embarked on military operations to thwart global terrorism and combat terrorist strongholds in Iraq and Afghanistan.  However, these missions have proven far too costly in American lives and resources.  To date, 2.38 million American men and women have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan, of which more than 1 million have deployed more than once.

Unfortunately the Iraq War, which began under the Bush Administration on March 20, 2003, has been a deadly mistake and not worth the cost in lives of our young heroes.  In the past eight years, 4,478 soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice; 33,169 have been wounded; and 1.5 million Iraqis lost their lives.  Our Congressional District in Manhattan lost five of its sons in Iraq; four from Washington Heights and one from East Harlem. From Washington Heights: Marine Staff Sergeant Riayan A. Tejada, Army Specialist Sergio A. Mercedes Saez, Army Corporal Juan Alcantara, and Army Sergeant Jose E. Ulloa. From East Harlem: Army Specialist Jose L. Ruiz.

These soldiers and their families will forever be in our hearts and prayers.

I am thankful to President Obama for ending the war in Iraq and making true to his promise to bring our brave men and women back home.  He has reaffirmed his strength as Commander in Chief by leading our brave Navy SEALS in their mission, which led to the death of Osama bin Laden.  Additionally, President Obama showed that he is a leader with high morals and understanding, by honoring the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement and the wishes of the American people.

The war in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001 and has since been America's longest war.  We must return the remaining 89,000 troops into the arms of their families and loved ones.  With al Qaeda forces largely eradicated, our nation needs to refocus on our current domestic issues. We should now devote our energy and resources towards rebuilding the economy and ensuring a smooth transition into civilian life for out returning heroes. 

On the home front, America cannot be dragged into more endless and undeclared engagements such as Iraq and Afghanistan.  As a result of this, I have authored the Universal National Service Act, commonly known as the “draft” bill, which mandates two years of nation service for all adults 18 to 42, in any capacity that promotes our nation defense.  Reinstating the draft would compel the American public, through their Representatives in Congress, to think more carefully before sending our troops to war.  In addition, it would help end our reliance on expensive defense contracting.

My “draft” bill would also ensure fairness in the enlistment process and deliberated defense policies.  Currently, 3.3 million military households, representing only one percent of American families, are unfairly carrying the burden of war.  If it were their son or daughter, sibling or friend being sent in harm’s way, would Members of Congress be as willing to engage in military conflicts?  As a nation, we should understand the shared sacrifice and moral issues at hand before sending our troops into combat.

As we work to bring our troops home, I will forever remain committed to all the men and women in the Armed Forces.  I thank them for their courage, dedication and patriotism.  Our nation is indebted to the military families that make tremendous sacrifices on our behalf.

Congressman Rangel's Legislation: