[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 126 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN OPPOSITION TO H.R. 163, THE UNIVERSAL NATIONAL SERVICE ACT

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                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I regret that a previous commitment 
prevented me from being present to vote on H.R. 163, Mr. Rangel's 
Universal National Service Act.
  This proposal would require that all young persons in the United 
States, including women, perform a period of military service or a 
period of civilian service for the national defense and homeland 
security. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''
  Both the President and the Secretary of Defense have stated on more 
than one occasion that there is no need for a draft for the War on 
Terrorism or any likely contingency, such as Iraq. I believe the All-
Volunteer Military Force has operated effectively for over thirty 
years. I fully agree with the Administration that there is no need for 
a military draft, and I do not support the Rangel bill.

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