Statement on Draft                                                      Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
May 24, 2004                                                                                          202.225.6511

Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) fully supports reinstating the draft

"In this time of war, it is important that we realize the sacrifices our troops endure. Americans have a history of making the necessary sacrifices for fighting for the ideals in which we believe. Americans have consistently stepped up and taken the lead in ensuring democracy through voluntary military service. However, if the freedoms we enjoy are to be shared by all, so must the sacrifices. It is not fair to our men and women in uniform for only a small percentage of citizens to carry the weight of a nation. It is not fair that only a small number of families suffer the consequences of larger policy decisions," Congressman Kanjorski said. "In January 2003, Congressman Charlie Rangel introduced legislation that would require every American between the ages of 18 and 26 to perform military or civilian service. I support Mr. Rangel's efforts, and I want to make it clear that the intent of this legislation is not a blanket effort to send more troops to Iraq. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Americans will be less likely to support entering into war unless they believe in it 100 percent when it is their loved ones who are putting their lives on the line."

FYI: The last time the draft was in place was July 1, 1973, during the Vietnam War. It would take an Act of Congress to reinstate the draft. Congressman Rangel's bill, H.R. 163, was referred to the House Armed Services Committee but no major action has been taken.