October 1, 2004
 

Setting the Record Straight on the Draft

COLUMBUS – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) today issued the following editorial:

“The internet has unquestionably forever changed our world. Today, a universe of information is available at our fingertips, and email has profoundly changed how we communicate with friends, family, and coworkers. In the world of politics, the internet offers the ordinary voter information from thousands of additional and alternative news sources, media outlets, and advocacy groups, exposing him or her to libraries of information never available to the voter of two decades ago.

However, as most savvy web surfers know, the internet can also be a breeding ground for misinformation and, in some instances, deliberate attempts to mischaracterize a candidate or discredit an issue.

A large number of my constituents, many of them worried parents and school children, have contacted my office after receiving an email suggesting that the White House is quietly preparing to institute a military draft in June of 2005. Because the idea of a draft is opposed by most Americans, the email notes that the planning for a draft is being done behind closed doors “while the public’s attention is focused on the elections.” Most emails also reference legislation in Congress – H.R. 163 – which seeks to require all young Americans, including women, to perform a two year period of military service or some auxiliary service in furtherance of homeland security.

I can assure you that our Selective Service System, the agency established to supply manpower to our Armed Forces during national emergencies, is not planning to conduct a draft for the U.S. Armed Forces. Further, both President Bush and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld have earnestly and repeatedly stated that there is no need for a draft for the War on Terrorism or any likely contingency, such as Iraq. Recently, on Sunday, September 6th, Secretary of State Colin Powell reiterated the Administration’s position on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos" by saying, "President Bush has no plans for a draft, nor is a draft needed." President Bush stated again last Thursday night during his debate with Sen. Kerry that “the military will be an all volunteer army.”

As for H.R. 163, this legislation indeed exists, having been introduced in Congress in January of 2003.  The bill mandates two years of military or defense-related service for all men and women ages 18-26.  However, it is important to note that the introduction of this bill was purely political. Its sponsor, Representative Charles Rangel of New York, has been among the most vocal critics against our liberation of Iraq. Rep. Rangel has said publicly that he introduced the bill to generate public opposition to our involvement in Iraq. The bill itself has no support among serious Members of Congress who are not looking to score cheap election year political points.

The need for retaining a Selective Service to administer a draft is obvious for the security of our nation.  It ensures that amidst extraordinary national emergencies and unforeseen threats, our nation is readily prepared to defend itself. It should not be wielded as a weapon to influence public opinion or frighten families for political purposes.”

About Congresswoman Pryce:

Deborah Pryce represents the Fifteenth District of Ohio, which includes Western Franklin County, Madison, and Union Counties.  She serves as Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 108th Congress, making her the fourth ranking member of House leadership.  The Congresswoman also co-chairs the Cancer Caucus.
 

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