A Democrat and a Republican have joined forces on Capitol Hill to bring forth a bill that would abolish the Selective Service System and the registration requirement on all U.S. males between ages 18 and 25.
Reps. Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Democrat, and Mike Coffman, Colorado Republican, say the requirement is a waste of taxpayer money, The Associated Press reports. The Pentagon prefers to keep an all-volunteer force, AP says.
The Selective Service oversees a budget of $24 million and maintains a full-time staff of 130 who monitor a database of 17 million potential male draftees, AP reports.
All U.S. men between ages 18 and 25 have to register or else face the risk of a felony charge. It’s been 27 years since the Justice Department has prosecuted anyone for failing to register, AP reports. Violators also can face denial of student loans or jobs with the federal government.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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