Thank you for your comments regarding the fiscal year (FY) 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the integration of women into the Selective Service.  I appreciate hearing from you.

On June 14, 2016, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the FY 2017 NDAA by a vote of 85-13.  With our troops in harm’s way confronting serious and growing threats to our nation, I was proud to vote in support of the NDAA, which authorizes roughly $602 billion in necessary defense spending.  As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee, I worked to include more than 42 provisions in the Senate-passed FY 2017 NDAA and associated Committee Report that will strengthen our national security and support those who serve our country, including at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), Pease Air National Guard Base, and in the New Hampshire National Guard.

The FY 2017 Senate-passed NDAA also includes a provision that would require all female citizens of the United States and females residing in the United States who attain the age of 18 years on or after January 1, 2018, to register for the Selective Service.  The Department of Defense has opened up all the combat billets for women who can meet the qualifications of those billets, and as a result, I believe women should now also register for the Selective Service.

As Chair of the Senate Armed Services Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee, I understand the importance of the Selective Service to our nation’s military readiness.  Please be assured that I will continue to closely monitor our nation’s military readiness, as well as any changes to the Selective Service.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me.  It is important for me to hear from you regarding the current issues affecting New Hampshire and our nation.  Please do not hesitate to be in touch again if I may be of further assistance.