Washington - Earlier this month, the Senate included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would force young women between the ages of 18 and 26 to sign up for the Selective Service, making them eligible for conscription if Congress reinstates the draft for future military needs. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) is leading a letter requesting that the provision be removed during conference negotiations with the House. Heritage Action released the following statement from chief executive officer Michael A. Needham:
"We agree with Senator Sasse and his colleagues that the brave men and women of our armed forces should not be hindered by unnecessary 'culture wars.' Women can and do contribute significantly to the overall mission of the military; however, military personnel policy, particularly when it comes to combat, should be determined based on military objectives and preparedness, not Barack Obama's social agenda.
"Heritage Action encourages Senators to sign on to the letter and urges conferees to adopt the House position to avoid potentially drafting our daughters."