Universal National Service Act
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Universal National Service Act is the name of at least three bills proposed in the United States Congress. There was a bill in 2003, 2006 and a current one introduced in 2007. The Universal National Service Act of 2007 is primarily sponsored by Congressman Charles Rangel of New York. Advocates for National Service include Senator Chris Dodd, Time Magazine Editor Rick Stengel, and NationalServiceAct.com writer Jason Blindauer.
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[edit] Universal National Service Act of 2003
The Universal National Service Act of 2003 (H.R. 163, S. 89) was a bill to resume the military draft in the United States, introduced in the 2003 session of the United States House of Representatives. The bill would have provided that, as early as June 2005, young men and women ages 18-26 could be called to service. Section 6 of the bill does not include college enrollment in the list of valid deferments and postponements of being drafted[1].
The measure was introduced by representative Charles Rangel, a leader in the Democratic Party and co-sponsored by five other Democrats. On October 5, 2004, Republicans called for a vote on the bill. The bill was considered under a motion to suspend the rules, which required a two-thirds vote for passage for the roll call vote to take place. The roll call vote on the bill was 2 in favor, 402 against. The only Members voting "aye" were Jack Murtha and Pete Stark.
Observers largely believe that Rangel, knowing beforehand that the bill would never be passed by the House, introduced it only to make a point. Rangel himself argued that the point of his bill was to express his opposition to the war in Iraq. In an editorial in The New York Times, Rangel said “if those calling for war knew that their children were likely to be required to serve—and to be placed in harm’s way—there would be more caution and a greater willingness to work with the international community in dealing with Iraq.” (See dailytexanonline.com and seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Some commentators opined that the bill figured in a "scare campaign" to convince US voters that Republicans (or specifically the White House) had secret plans to re-institute conscription after the November 2 elections. For example, John Sutherland, a columnist for The Guardian, claimed on May 31, 2004 that the bill is "currently approved and sitting in the Committee for Armed Services".[2] He further predicted that the draft itself would be implemented as early as June 15, 2005. William Hawkins, a columnist for The Washington Times, denies that the bill was ever approved and claims that when Republicans brought it to the floor on October 5, it was for the express purpose of killing it.".[3]
[edit] Universal National Service Act of 2006
The Universal National Service Act of 2006 (H.R. 4752) introduced February 14, 2006. New York Democrat Representative Charles Rangel again called for the draft to be reinstated. It required ALL men and women 18-42 to perform a period of military service or a period of civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, and for "other purposes". Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had rejected this proposal. It had no sponsors.
[edit] Universal National Service Act of 2007
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This section documents proposed legislation that is currently being considered. Information may change rapidly as the course of legislation progresses. |
The Universal National Service Act of 2007 (H.R. 393) is a bill introduced by Charles B. Rangel in the United States House of Representatives on January 10, 2007. It proposes the requirement that all residents in the United States aged between 18 and 42 carry out national service, and be available for conscription during wartime. It allows no deferments after age 20. It has two sponsors.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ H.R. 163
- ^ "Draft Dilemma" The Guardian, 31 May 2004
- ^ "Draft Duplicity" The Washington Times, 21 October 2004
[edit] External links
- [1] Advocacy Site sponsored by Former Military Officers
- Everyone Serves Campaign for National Service
