WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee has approved an amendment to the annual defense policy bill that requires women to register for the military draft.
The House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday approved Congressman Duncan Hunter’s measure by a 32-30 vote.
In a twist, Hunter voted against his own amendment. The California Republican and former Marine says he doesn’t support drafting women to potentially fight on the front lines.
Hunter says he offered the measure to provoke a discussion about how the Pentagon’s decision to open all combat jobs to women failed to consider whether the exclusion on drafting women should be rescinded.
Congresswoman Jackie Speier, a California Democrat, voted for Hunter’s amendment. She says if women want equality, there should be universal conscription.
Other lawmakers say it’s time to end draft registration.
