Thank you for reaching out to me with your views regarding Selective Service, more commonly known as the military draft.  Listening to my constituents is a fundamental part of my job as it helps me to best represent you and New Hampshire’s priorities in Congress.

The men and women who serve our country deserve our utmost respect and recognition, regardless of their gender.  Today, women are taking on more responsibilities in our Armed Forces than ever before, from assuming new combat roles to reaching new heights in military leadership.  I support recent reforms allowing women to serve in new military combat roles, because all Americans should share in the responsibility of protecting our freedom and preserving our way of life. 

As you may know, Selective Service was originally enacted in 1917 as a response to World War I.  It has existed in various forms since that time, with today’s version, enacted in 1980, requiring all males to register for potential military service in the case of an emergency.  An amendment to the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), approved during House Armed Services Committee markup, would also require women to register.  As your Representative, please know that I will keep your thoughtful views in mind if I have the opportunity to vote on legislation concerning the Selective Service. 

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me.  I strive to maintain an open dialogue with the people of New Hampshire about issues important to our district.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my Concord office at (603) 226-1002 or my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-5206.  I also encourage you to sign up for my e-newsletter at http://Kuster.house.gov/contact/newsletter, visit my website at http://Kuster.house.gov, follow me on Twitter at @RepAnnieKuster, or check out my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CongresswomanAnnieKuster.