Senators Lankford, Inhofe Request Removal of NDAA Provision on Women Registration for Selective Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today asked Congressional leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to remove a National Defense Authorization Act provision that would require women to register for military Selective Service.

A version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act passed the Senate on July 7 and the House on May 18. The final conference report is currently being negotiated this week.

Lankford and Inhofe were joined on the letter by Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John Thune (R-SD), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), David Perdue (R-GA), James Risch (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

The full text of the letter is below:

The Honorable John McCain

Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Jack Reed

Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mac Thornberry

Chairman, House Armed Services Committee

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Adam Smith

Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman McCain, Ranking Member Reed, Chairman Thornberry, and Ranking Member Smith,

                We, the undersigned, request your consideration on a matter of great importance as you prepare for conference negotiations on the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

                As you know, the Senate-passed bill includes language that would, for the first time, require women to register for the Selective Service. We believe it is better to refrain from this expansion and to instead, task an independent commission to study the purpose and utility of the Selective Service System, specifically determining whether the current system is unneeded, if it is sufficient, or if it needs an expanded pool of potential draftees.

                We should not hinder the brave men and women of our armed forces by entrapping them in unnecessary cultural issues. Our all-volunteer military is the best military the world has ever seen, and women who wish to serve in this military are free to do so. The provision of the FY17 NDAA requiring women to register for the Selective Service should be removed.

                We respectfully ask that you remain mindful of our opposition as you negotiate the final conference product. Specifically, we urge you to adopt the House position.

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