On
October 5, 2004, the House of Representatives voted
402 - 2 to defeat H.R. 163, the bill cited as proof
that the Selective Service was preparing to reinstate
a military draft. The vote made official what has
been a reality since January 7, 2003, when H.R.
163 was introduced despite nearly total opposition
in Congress to restoring the draft. Without Congressional
support, the draft cannot be reinstated. A similar
bill languishes in the Senate.
Both
President George W. Bush and Senator John F. Kerry
have stated for the record that they oppose a draft.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also has opposed
the draft on numerous occasions.
Since
1980, the Selective Service System has discharged
its mission of preparing to manage a draft if and
when Congress and the President so direct. The House
action proves that the Selective Service has gotten
no such direction. That being the case, the Agency
will maintain its readiness as required by law,
and to register young men between the ages of 18
and 25. That mission has been reaffirmed frequently
by successive Administrations and by Congress under
the leadership of both parties.
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