[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORTING H.R. 163, THE UNIVERSAL NATIONAL SERVICE ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I am an original cosponsor of the Rangel/
Conyers bill, the Universal National Service Act of 2003 (H.R. 163), 
which would reinstate a national draft. I would like to explain my 
support for this legislation.
  I ardently oppose war with Iraq. The evidence simply does not exist 
to warrant sending our nation's young people to sacrifice their lives 
in Iraq. I believe America ought to be an advocate for peace, not 
imperialism.
  Yet, war is on the horizon. The President is intent on invading Iraq 
whatever the cost. Thanks to the President's brand of hotheaded bully 
diplomacy, war with North Korea may also be imminent. The only real 
question that remains is whether or not Americans are ready and willing 
to bear the cost?
  I commend my colleagues Mr. Rangel and Mr. Conyers for their wisdom 
in authoring this bill. I'm honored to be an original cosponsor.
  This bill requires all young Americans--men and women between 18 and 
26--to perform a two year period of national service in a military or 
civilian capacity as determined by the President. For those who 
conscientiously object to war, the bill assures that any military 
service would not include combat. Otherwise, there would be no 
preferences, no deferments, no chance for the well-off or the well-
connected to dodge military service for their country, as did our 
President.
  Reinstituting the draft may seem unnecessary to some. But, it will 
ensure all Americans share in the cost and sacrifice of war. Without a 
universal draft, this burden weighs disproportionately on the shoulders 
of the poor, the disadvantaged and minority populations.
  It is my understanding that out of the 435 Members of this House and 
the 100 members of the Senate, only one--only one--has a child in 
active military service. Who are we to know the pain of war when we 
ourselves will not directly bear the brunt of that action? It won't be 
us mourning the loss of a child or loved one. Maybe some of you in this 
Congress would think twice about voting for war in Iraq if you knew 
your child may be sent to fight in the streets of Baghdad?
  If our nation is to go to war, it is only right that all Americans 
share in the sacrifice of war. It is time we truly comprehended the 
consequences. I urge my colleagues to support a universal draft which I 
believe will make votes for war much more real for many of my 
colleagues.

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