HOUSE PASSES DEFENSE BILL AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERING MEN 18-26 FOR DRAFT

The House of Representatives passed a measure on Friday that automatically registers men aged 18 to 26 for selective service as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

This year's NDAA authorizes $895.2 billion in military spending, a $9 billion increase from the previous year. The measure, led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, aims to reduce legal issues and save taxpayer money by using federal databases for registration. The NDAA also includes the largest-ever military pay raise, funding for two new submarines, and the establishment of a drone force.

The Selective Service System costs roughly $30 million a year. Lawmakers have proposed a number of reforms to the database in recent years, including adding women and completely eliminating the agency altogether, but none have made it through Congress.

The latest proposal was approved unanimously by the committee but still must advance through the full House and Senate before it can become law. The authorization bill, which contains a myriad of military budget and policy priorities, is expected to be finalized by the two chambers sometime this fall.

The bill passed the House with a 217 to 199 vote but is unlikely to be taken up by the Senate due to controversial amendments regarding abortion, transgender medical care, and diversity efforts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized these amendments and called for bipartisan cooperation.