Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR84

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

Urging the Congress of the United States to amend the Military Selective Service Act to require both men and women to register for the draft.

Impact

The passage of HR84 could drastically change the landscape of military conscription in the United States. Currently, the Military Selective Service Act only requires men to register, which many critics see as an outdated policy that does not account for the evolving role of women in the military. By amending the Act to include both genders, it would reinforce the principle of equal responsibility in national defense and possibly prompt a reevaluation of military recruitment and readiness strategies, ensuring that all citizens contribute to defense efforts if necessary.

Summary

House Resolution 84 (HR84) urges the United States Congress to amend the Military Selective Service Act to require both men and women, aged 18 to 26, to register for the draft. The bill aims to promote gender equality in military service by ensuring that all eligible individuals are treated equally under the law, reflecting the significant contributions that women have made in the Armed Forces throughout American history. Proponents argue that with women now serving in combat roles effectively since the removal of restrictions in 2013, it is time for the draft registration requirements to be updated to reflect this reality.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR84 is largely supportive among advocates of gender equality, who view the bill as a necessary step toward leveling the playing field for women in military service. The discussion emphasizes a recognition of women's capabilities and their historical contributions to the armed services. However, there are some concerns about the potential implications for women’s roles in the military and whether the inclusion in the draft could lead to broader implications for military policy and cultural dynamics within the armed forces.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates over the potential consequences of drafting women, particularly regarding their physical and psychological readiness for combat roles. Some opponents argue that women may not be ready for the same obligations as men in wartime, while supporters counter that women have already proven themselves in various capacities during recent military engagements. This ongoing dialogue reflects larger societal issues related to gender roles and the expectations of service and sacrifice in the context of national defense.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR63

Urging the Congress of the United States to amend the Military Selective Service Act to require both men and women to register for the draft.

PA HR404

Urging the Congress of the United States to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282) to allow all medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement pay and benefits.

PA HR262

Urging the President and the Congress of the United States to reexamine United States foreign policy toward Ethiopia.

PA HR146

Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate the Skilled Nursing Facility Three-Day Rule for Medicare recipients.

PA HR140

Urging the President and Congress of the United States to direct additional humanitarian aid to Haiti.

PA HR509

Urging the Congress of the United States to expand TRICARE Reserve Select eligibility to include members of reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States who are enrolled or eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

PA HB2427

In registration of vehicles, further providing for lost, stolen, damaged or illegible registration plate and for use of farm vehicle plates, providing for Pennsylvania Sportsman plate, further providing for Distracted Driving Awareness plate and for special motorcycle plates related to veterans, providing for Operation Inherent Resolve veterans plate, further providing for special plates for veterans and providing for special plates for recipients of Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal; and, in fees, further providing for exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees.

PA SR311

Urging the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 3023, the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act.

PA HR106

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

PA SR77

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

Similar Bills

CA SB614

California Military Department Support Fund activities.

CA AB481

Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

TX HB3841

Relating to military duty of a conservator of a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

CA AB361

Military Department: support programs.

NJ AJR198

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR106

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR74

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR109

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.