October 04, 2004

Congresswoman Lee Votes Against Bill to Reinstate the Draft

Admonishes House Republican Leadership for Playing Election Year Politics

Washington, DC- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted against H.R. 163, the Universal National Service Act. The bill was defeated by a vote of 401-2.

Congresswoman Lee, a staunch and vocal opponent of the draft, issued the following statement:

“There is little doubt that our military is overextended right now because of the immoral and unnecessary war in Iraq. We know the problems of recruitment and retention are real and we know that there is a back door draft going on right now. Given the quagmire in Iraq and the President’s record of war making, I understand why the rumors are flying and our young people are concerned about the prospect of President Bush bringing back the draft after the November election.”

“The scheduling of this bill on the suspension calendar is a transparent attempt to provide political cover for a President who deserves none. The suspension calendar is typically reserved for non-controversial bills, the vast majority of which pass with little debate or opposition. President Bush has much explaining to do to the American people and to our military. We must hold President Bush accountable for his failures in Iraq in November and we must oppose any and all attempts to reinstate morally reprehensible draft policies.”

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