IV

106TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 402

Recognizing the importance of the Selective Service System on the occasion

of the 60th anniversary of the United States’ first peacetime military

registration effort and the continued need for American men to register

for possible service in the Armed Forces.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SEPTEMBER 14, 2000

Mr. KUYKENDALL (for himself, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. HANSEN, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. MURTHA, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. LARSON, Mr. BALDACCI, Mr.

CROWLEY, Mr. GREEN of Texas, Mr. FOSSELLA, Mr. NORWOOD, Mr.

WATKINS, Mr. THOMAS, Mr. OSE, Mr. CONDIT, Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi, Mr. SISISKY, and Mr. SKELTON) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of the Selective Service System

on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the United

States’ first peacetime military registration effort and

the continued need for American men to register for

possible service in the Armed Forces.

Whereas the United States relied on a form of conscription

to fulfill the military personnel needs of the Armed

Forces during the Civil War and World War I;

Whereas, in response to the outbreak of warfare in Africa,

Asia, and Europe, the Congress enacted the Selective

Training and Service Act of 1940 to institute the first
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peacetime military registration effort in the United

States, and ten million men, two-thirds of all United

States troops serving in World War II enlisted through

the draft system;

Whereas, in 1948, the Military Selective Service Act (50

U.S.C. App. 451 et seq.) replaced the Selective Training

and Service Act of 1940 and reiterated the duty of every

male citizen of the United States, and every other male

person residing in the United States, who is between the

ages of 18 and 26 to register for possible service in the

Armed Forces;

Whereas since 1940, the Selective Service System has been

an important supplement to the Armed Forces to ensure

that our military has adequate personnel in times of conflict;

Whereas the Selective Service System was revitalized in 1979

to address the criticisms raised in connection with the operation of the System during the Vietnam War;

Whereas every American male, whether a citizen or noncitizen, is still required to register under the Military Selective Service Act at the age of 18; and

Whereas registration compliance has diminished in the past

few years, even in the face of severe penalties and the

possibility of losing access to Federal financial aid and

jobs: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That, on the 60th anniversary of the first

3 peacetime military registration effort in United States his4 tory, the Congress recognizes—
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1 (1) that the United States must continue to be

2 prepared to defend the people and national interests

3 of the United States in times of conflict; and

4 (2) the continued need for male citizens of the

5 United States, and other males residing in the

6 United States, who attain the age of 18 to register

7 for possible service in the Armed Forces as required

8 by the Military Selective Service Act.

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