The Senate made history Tuesday by passing a $602 billion defense bill that crucially includes an amendment requiring women to register for the draft.
The bill is supported by both Republicans and Democrats and expands military Selective Service requirements to female citizens aged 18-26. It could be implemented as early as 2018.
The Senate voted 85 to 13 to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which included the critical provision for women. Not registering with selective service could stop women from accessing federal financial aid such as Pell grants. Supporters of women serving in combat roles are calling the bill a major step forward for women’s participation in the military.
Currently, the Selective Service requirement applies to all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants who are 18 through 25. It is illegal not to register, and can impact young men seeking federal employment or...
