Lawmakers Plan To Remove Provision In Upcoming Spending Bill
Senate Democrats have introduced a contentious provision in the annual defense authorization bill, mandating that women register for the draft. This move has sparked considerable backlash from Republicans and social conservatives, potentially complicating the bill's passage before Election Day.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a leading conservative voice, has promised to fight this provision, which poses a challenging vote for Democrats like Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), who are in tight reelection battles.
Republican candidate Sam Brown, an Army veteran running against Rosen, has already seized on this issue, using his personal war experiences to argue against drafting women. Brown, who was severely injured in combat, criticized Rosen on social media, arguing that forcing women to register for the draft is unacceptable.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) also denounced the provision as "insane," accusing the Biden administration of pushing a "woke agenda" in the Pentagon. Hawley, who has previously led efforts to remove such language from the defense bill, reiterated his stance that women should not be compelled to serve in the military against their will.
Adding to the opposition, a group associated with former Vice President Mike Pence, Advancing American Freedom, sent a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson, arguing against the notion of requiring women to register for the draft.
Despite the strong opposition, Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) defended the proposed policy change. Reed emphasized that women already serve in many critical military roles and would be essential in a draft situation, which would likely call for specialized skills rather than just infantry troops.
Reed’s argument highlights the evolving nature of military needs, where roles such as cyber experts, intelligence analysts, and linguists are increasingly vital. He contended that the intense GOP opposition lacks rationale, as many women are well-qualified for these positions.
The debate over this provision is not strictly partisan. Some Republicans support the idea of requiring women to register for the Selective Service System. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) faces pressure from both sides as he considers whether to bring the bill to the floor amidst a packed legislative calendar.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged Schumer to expedite the defense bill, praising the Senate Armed Services Committee for its recent markup but expressing concern that Democrats may delay the bill’s progress. This provision, if brought to a vote, could have significant electoral repercussions for Democrats in battleground states.