American women could be required to register for the military draft as soon as next year under an amendment to a defense policy bill passed by a House of Representatives committee on Thursday, and supported by some key members of the Senate.
The House Armed Services Committee voted 32-30 to pass an amendment to the $602 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require women ages 18 to 26 to register for the selective service, once all combat roles are open to women.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced last year that all combat positions would be open to women, which immediately prompted calls that women should be required to register.