The Universal National Service Act of 2003
Introduced by Representative Rangel and Senator Hollings
The Rangel-Hollings legislation (H.R. 163 in the House and S.89 in the Senate) would re-institute a draft to compulsory military or alternative national service for men and women, aged 18 to 26, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America.
The bill:
Defines "national service" as either military or civilian service as defined by the President that promotes national or homeland security.
Gives the President authority to establish the numbers of persons to be selected for military service and the means of selection.
Requires those not selected for military service to perform their national service obligation in a civilian capacity for the same duration as those selected for military service (two years in most cases).
Directs the President to prescribe the regulations necessary to carry out the Act, including:
types of civilian service eligible to meet the national service requirement;
means and manner of induction to service;
criteria for eligibility for service;
criteria for exemption from service;
all other administrative matters in connection with induction of persons under this Act and the registration, examination and classification of such persons.
Allows the President to use for the purposes of the Act the procedures provided in the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C.App. 451 et seq.) including procedures for registration, selection, and induction but specifically requires the registration and selection for national service of women as well as men and seeks to strictly limit the grounds for exemption from national service to physical disability and consciencious objection.
Allows educational deferments for High School, but only until age 20.