Defense bill automatically registering men 18-26 for draft passes in House, Internet calls move 'sexist'

WASHINGTON, DC: The House of Representatives passed a measure that will automatically register men aged between 18 and 26 for selective service in the military on Friday, June 14, reported Fox News.

The measure was a part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets out the military and national security priorities of the United States over the upcoming fiscal year. The latest NDAA authorized $895.2 billion in military spending, marking a $9 billion increase from the last fiscal year.

What does the draft proposal involve?

According to Fox News, it is mandatory for all male citizens in the country to register for the selective service, also known as the military draft, when they turn 18. Failure to register is classified as a felony and leads to legal troubles for the individual involved.

The rule has not been reportedly invoked for over half a century, shared the publication. It has been claimed by supporters that the amendment would help cut down on bureaucratic red tape and help citizens avoid unnecessary legal issues. It would further help save taxpayer dollars that would have gone into prosecuting those cases.

Who spearheaded the draft proposal?

Rep Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa) led the proposal that passed in the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the NDAA in May.

She reportedly stated in a debate in May, "By using available federal databases, the (Selective Service) agency will be able to register all of the individuals required and thus help ensure that any future military draft is fair and equitable."

"This will also allow us to rededicate resources — basically that means money — towards reading readiness and towards mobilization … rather than towards education and advertising campaigns driven to register people," she added.

The NDAA may get delayed in Senate

While the NDAA passed the House of Representatives with 217 votes to 199, it is expected to run into a roadblock in the Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer slammed the bill on Friday.

"Unsurprisingly, the legislation coming out of the House today is loaded with anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, anti-environment, and other divisive amendments guaranteed not to pass the Senate. As we move forward with this year’s NDAA process, both sides will have to work together to pass bipartisan legislation that honors and respects all who serve in defense of our nation," he stated.

Internet reacts to the proposal

"What, no equality for our women warriors?" a user wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) responding to the news.

"What if they identify as female? No draft registration for them?" inquired another.

"Draft all women as well for equality," stated one user.

"I bet women are pissed at this sexism," quipped a user.

"This does not bode well," commented another user.

One user declared, "Seems sexist."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.