Paul Introduces Legislation to End the Draft

FOR RELEASE: May 3, 2001

"The most fundamental objection to draft registration is moral...A draft or draft registration destroys the very values that our society is committed to defending."

Ronald Reagan

Washington, DC Congressman Ron Paul recently introduced legislation which would end the outdated and outmoded Selective Service system. HR 1597, which already enjoys bipartisan support from several of Paul's congressional colleagues, completely repeals the 1979 Selective Service Act. Paul, who served as a flight surgeon in the Air Force, hopes his legislation will end military conscription in America.

"Not only is the notion of involuntary servitude at odds with our system of law and tradition of liberty, but it is not in keeping with the needs and demands of a 21st century defense program," Paul stated. "Even the military agrees that the Selective Service System is an ineffective hold-over from a different age."

Many military experts acknowledge that draft registration has been made obsolete by technological advances. A 1993 Department of Defense report states that registration could be ended "with no effect on military mobilization and no measurable effect on military recruitment."

Five hundred million dollars have been spent on the Selective Service program since its inception in 1979. During that time, the mission of the program has changed from simply collecting data for a possible compulsory call-up to serving as a mailing list for big-government programs.

Paul believes military recruitment and retention would improve greatly if America avoided engaging in military conflicts that do not clearly involve national security. At the same time, Congress must work to improve veterans' benefits and honor commitments made to our armed forces.