Selective Service Initative refers to two bills currently in Congress: HR163 and S89, to reinstate conscription ("the draft"), claimed to be as response to the continued War on Terrorism, which encompassess the current 2004 Iraq War , Afghanistan, and possible wars with other Islamic countries.
If these bills pass, as early as June 2005, young men and women ages 18-26 could be called to service. The United States is also entering into a pact with Canada which will make entering that country more difficult. In addition, college will no longer be a reprieve for young people wishing to forestall the draft.
HR 163, sponsored by Charles Rangel and twelve other Democratic representatives, was brought to the House floor for a vote on October 5, 2004. Because the bill was considered under a motion to suspend the rules, it required a two-thirds vote for passage. The roll call vote on the bill was 2 in favor, 402 against.
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