Official U.S. government announcements, Department of Defense updates

U.S. Congress Passes Bill for Automatic Draft Registration for Ages 18-26, Proposes Women Registration by FY 2025

Jun 15, 2024, 05:35 PM

The U.S. Congress has passed a new bill that mandates automatic registration for the military draft for young men aged 18 to 26, replacing the existing system where they had the freedom to decide whether to sign up. Additionally, the Senate Armed Services Committee has proposed that women also be required to register for the draft. This move comes amidst concerns over potential global conflicts and the need to bolster military personnel. The bill, led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, aims to address recruitment challenges faced by the military. The proposal has sparked debates, with critics arguing that it could lead to unnecessary involvement in wars and questioning the fairness of conscripting women. The National Defense Reauthorization Act includes this provision, and it is set to take effect in FY 2025. Notably, Raytheon stock has risen 42% since the proposal.