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A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill to repeal the Military Selective Service Act (the draft), calling it an outdated and unnecessary program.

What’s the Military Selective Service Act?: The Military Selective Service Act, established in 1917 during World War I, requires all non-disabled men aged 18-45 to register for potential military conscription. This law was designed to allow the United States to rapidly increase its military strength by drafting civilians during national emergencies. The act played a crucial role in filling the ranks during both World Wars, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. However, the draft has not been used since 1973. Despite this, registration remains a legal requirement, even though the draft itself has been dormant for over fifty years.

What the lawmakers are doing: Senators Rand Paul, Ron Wyden, and Cynthia Lummis are leading a push to repeal the Military Selective Service Act. They argue that the draft, unused since the Vietnam War, is outdated and unnecessary in today’s world. The senators also point out that maintaining the program is projected to cost the United States $33.4 million in 2025.

What the lawmakers are saying: In a statement, Senator Rand Paul said, “It has been over 50 years since the draft was last used. I’ve long stated that if a war is worth fighting, Congress will vote to declare it and people will volunteer. This outdated government program no longer serves a purpose and should be eliminated permanently.”

Senator Ron Wyden said, “The Selective Service is a long-outdated program that eats up millions of taxpayer dollars and gives us nothing in return. This is a commonsense bill that brings our military into the twentieth century and keeps money in American wallets.”