H.R. 5741: Universal National Service Act

So in cruising political news, I came upon this little gem of a bill today. H.R. 5741: Universal National Service Act (sponsors and bill progress here, full text here).

Now since most people aren’t the types to read bills, and I am, I figured I’d highlight a few snippits from the bill.

First off, the summary:

To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, and for other purposes.

Yeah, it’s essentially the draft, but with a few bonuses. For one, the age limit is extended from 25 up to 42. It’s no longer guys only, and there is now a civilian service. Not to mention that scary “other purposes.”

Section 102

(a) Obligation for Service- It is the obligation of every citizen of the United States, and every other person residing in the United States, who is between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform a period of national service as prescribed in this title unless exempted under the provisions of this title.

(b) Forms of National Service- The national service obligation under this title shall be performed either–

(1) as a member of an active or reserve component of the uniformed services; or

(2) in a civilian capacity that, as determined by the President, promotes the national defense, including national or community service and service related to homeland security.

First word. Obligation. So much for “land of the free.” Second, this describes, or moreso doesn’t describe, the civilian service. It simply states “as determined by the President.” Such vague wording isn’t exactly comforting.

Continuing through the bill, there are a good number of limitations and provisions regarding military service, very in line with the draft legislation during the Vietnam war. However, there is very little regarding the civilian service.

Section 105

(a) In General- The President shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this title.

(b) Matter To Be Covered by Regulations- Such regulations shall include specification of the following:

(1) The types of civilian service that may be performed in order for a person to satisfy the person’s national service obligation under this title.

(2) Standards for satisfactory performance of civilian service and of penalties for failure to perform civilian service satisfactorily.

(3) The manner in which persons shall be selected for induction under this title, including the manner in which those selected will be notified of such selection.

(4) All other administrative matters in connection with the induction of persons under this title and the registration, examination, and classification of such persons.

(5) A means to determine questions or claims with respect to inclusion for, or exemption or deferment from induction under this title, including questions of conscientious objection.

(6) Standards for compensation and benefits for persons performing their national service obligation under this title through civilian service.

(7) Such other matters as the President determines necessary to carry out this title.

In short, pretty much everything regarding the obligated civilian service, that’s the President’s call.

Continuing, it mentions exemptions for the military aspect, including conscientious objection, but not exemptions for the civilian aspect.

It further modifies current Selective Service registration to include females.

Now the good news is that at the time of this post, the bill has only one sponsor, no cosponsors, and is only in committee. Most bills never make it out. None the less, the content of this one is rather frightening, and even more frightening is how few people are aware of it.

Edit: Apparently Representative Charles Rangel has introduced this very bill several times with no success. His press release can be read here.

Advertisement