E1938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 11, 2004 The extraordinary and temporary conditions TOPICAL AGENDA SSS through the appropriations process. SSS caused by nature, and resulting in floods, DoD Participants: Hon. Charles S. Abell, undergoes structure and program reductions epidemics and other environmental disasters Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense to make ends meet. Readiness suffers. for Personnel and Readiness; Mr. William I. 2000 and 2001—DoD and SSS plan and im- in Haiti, Grenada, and Cayman Islands war- plement joint mailing project to increase rant granting their nationals Temporary Pro- Carr, Acting Deputy Undersecretary of De- fense for Military Personnel Policy; Colonel peacetime relevancy of SSS and improve tected Status. Giving TPS to people from David Kopanski, Deputy Director, Accession timeliness and address accuracy of DoD re- Haiti, Grenada and the Cayman Islands is Policy. cruiting direct mail campaigns. consistent with the national interest of the SSS Participants: Mr. Lewis C. Brodsky. J. 2002 and 2003—Administration says use United States, and denotes the values and Acting Director of Selective Service; Mr. of draft not an option for war on terrorism or Richard S. Ftahavan, Director of Public & potential war with Iraq. Rep. Rangel and morals that have made this nation strong. Sen. Hollings introduce bills (H.R. 163 and S. Congressional Affairs. Therefore, I urge you to cosponsor the 69) call for reinstituting a draft for military ‘‘Emergency Relief for Caribbean Nationals 1. Review 30-year time-line—SSS major policy and national service. SECDEF adamant and Act.’’ issues vocal against using the draft for any imme- f A. Draft ends in 1973; Agency placed in diate or likely contingency. Most recently, ‘‘Deep Standby’’ from 1976 to 1980. Ninety- Reps. Paul, DeFazio and Frank introduce TOPICAL AGENDA eight ‘‘record-keepers’’ remain to SSS, part- H.R. 487, calling for repeal of the Military time Reserve Officers kept on board, but no Selective Service Act and an end to the SSS HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE registration, no Board Members. within six months of the bill becoming law. B. 1980—Cold War continues. President Synopsis: With known shortages of military OF HAWAII Carter decides to revitalize SSS after Sovi- personnel with certain critical skills, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ets invade Afghanistan and MOBEXs indi- with the need for the nation to be capable of Friday, October 8, 2004 cate need. No draft, but resumes registration responding to domestic emergencies as a program for men. Wants to include women Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, great in- part of Homeland Security planning, changes but Congress says no. 10,000 Board Members should be made in the Selective Service Sys- terest has been generated by the publication appointed and trained. DoD sets prepared- tem’s registration program and primary mis- of a document from the 11th of February 2003 ness goal for SSS: ‘‘Be ready to provide first sion. entitled ‘‘Topical Agenda’’. It involves the De- draftees to MEPS at M+13 and 100,000 by Situation: Currently, and in accordance partment of Defense Personnel and Readi- M+30.’’ with the Military Selective Service Act ness Undersecretary and the Selective Serv- C. 1988—Congress reacts to military med- (MSSA) [50 U.S.C., App. 451 et seq.), the Se- ice System and its Acting Director. ical shortages (‘‘war stoppers’’). Language lective Service System (SSS) collects and This document appears on the web site of inserted in the Defense Authorization Act maintains personal information from all ‘‘Rock the Vote’’. The interest is intense be- telling SSS to develop a ‘‘structure’’ which U.S. male citizens and resident aliens. Under would allow the registration and induction this process, each man is required to cause of the content of the agenda. It involves of health care personnel in an emergency. ‘‘present himself for and submit to registra- a review of selective service major policy DoD identifies more than 60 health care spe- tion’’ upon reaching age 18. The methods by issues since 1973; a synopsis of Department cialities to include in the SSS Health Care, which a man can register with Selective of Defense Policy regarding the draft and a Personnel Delivery System (HCPDS). Plan- Service include the Internet, mail-back post- detailed proposal for the renewal of the draft ning calls for first HCPDS draftees by M+42. card, checking a box on other government and conditions attendant to it. HCPDS becomes a paper and computer exer- forms, and through the driver’s license appli- The participation of the Department of De- cise lasting many years. cations process in many states. The collected fense in the discussion associated with the D. 1989–1991—End of Cold War, Desert data is retained in an active computer file Storm, no draft, and SSS remains in standby until the man reaches age 26 and is no longer agenda has been confirmed by the Secretary status with flat-lined annual budgets. draft eligible. It consists of the man’s name, of Defense. The DOD contention is that the E. 1893 and 1994—Detractors in the Con- address, Social Security number, and date of meeting on the agenda was for purposes of gress challenge need for continuing to fund birth. Currently, 91 percent of all men, ages discussion only and that it took place off Pen- SSS and peacetime registration. Section 18 through 25, are registered, enabling the tagon premises. Obviously, the location of the 647(b), FY 1993 DOD Authorization Act re- SSS to conduct a timely, fair, and equitable discussion and the origination of the agenda quires SECDEF, in concert with SSS, to re- draft in the event the Congress and the for discussion purposes is immaterial to the port on continuation of peacetime registra- President decide to reinstate conscription tion. This was accomplished, registration is during a crisis. issue at hand. The point is the Department of retained, and an interagency task force re- However, the Secretary of Defense and De- Defense from the Secretary on down has vig- view was formed, led by the NSC. Conclusion partment of Defense manpower officials have orously denied that any such discussions have is announced by President Clinton: preserve stated recently that a draft will not be nec- ever taken place let alone been contemplated. SSS and peacetime registration in current essary for any foreseeable crisis. They as- This document shows that a detailed proposal standby status for three reasons. sume that sufficient fighting capability ex- for a new draft involving men and for the first 1. A hedge against underestimating the ists in today’s ‘‘all-volunteer’’ active and re- time women has been under consideration number of soldiers, needed to fight a future serve Armed Forces for likely contingencies, war; making a conventional draft of untrained and discussion by the Department of Defense. 2. A symbol of national resolve to potential manpower somewhat obsolete. Yet, Defense It also clearly indicates that consideration has adversaries; and, manpower officials concede there are critical been given to drafting not only for military 3. A link between the all-volunteer Armed shortages of military personnel with certain needs but for purposes associated with the Forces and society-at-large. skills, such as medical personnel, linguists, Department of Homeland Security. In addition Clinton also instructs SSS to increase computer network engineers, etc. The costs it proposes that the draft age be extended operational efficiency. Instructs DoD to up- of attracting and retaining such personnel date MOB requirements for SSS, re-examine from 18 to 34. It includes a proposition that a for military service could be prohibitive, timelines, and review arguments for and leading some officials to conclude that while ‘‘self-declaration’’ of skill sets be required of all against continuing to exclude women from a conventional draft may never be needed, a potential draftees to be periodically updated registration. draft of men and women possessing these until the age of 35. F. 1994—Defense issues new ‘‘post-Cold critical skills may be warranted in a future It is not enough for the Department of De- War’’ guidance to SSS: ‘‘provide first un- crisis, if too few volunteer. fense to say it rejects the proposal and its trained draftee to MEPS at M+193; first Proposal: In line with today’s needs, the findings. Saying ‘‘no’’ doesn’t make it so. Deni- Health Care draftee at M+222,’’ DoD reaf- SSS’ structure, programs and activities als that any such consideration has even been firms that it is not necessary to register or should be re-engineered toward maintaining draft women (for a conventional draft of un- a national inventory of American men and given let alone presently extent ring hollow in trained manpower) because they are prohib- (for the first time) women, ages 18 through the wake of the implications of this agenda ited by policy from serving in ground combat 34, with an added focus on identifying indi- and the Department of Defense’s participation assignments. SSS recognizes women may viduals with critical skills. in discussing it. have to be included in a health care draft. An interagency task force should examine Given the broad and deep concern of the G. 1998—DoD Health Affairs says health the feasibility of this proposal which would public about the draft and the possibility of its care personnel would be needed earlier than require amendments to the MSSA, expansion being reinstituted it is imperative that the pub- M+222 in a future conflict. Guidance changed of the current registration program, and in- lic be enabled to see, understand and analyze to M+90. Today, HCPDS can be implemented, clusion of women. In addition to the basic but ability to meet M+90 time frame is identifying information collected in the cur- what the Department of Defense has had doubtful. Program not fully tested and com- rent program, the expanded and revised pro- under consideration. The public, of course, pliance aspects still not complete. gram would require all registrants to indi- can draw its own conclusions. The ‘‘Agenda’’ H. 1995 through 2000—Anti-SSS Members of cate whether they have been trained in, pos- report follows. Congress almost successful in eliminating sess, and professionally practice, one or more

VerDate Aug 04 2004 02:50 Oct 13, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09OC8.375 E11PT1 October 11, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1939 skills critical to national security or com- 1. SSS status quo; however, redefine the Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipe- munity health and safety. This could take DoD mission guidance and time lines to lines. Together, we have had to navigate the form of an initial ‘‘self-declaration’’ as a make the SSS more relevant to DoD’s needs through the often frustrating, confusing and part of the registration process. Men and and the SECDEF’s policy. The current guid- twisting course of the transportation bill reau- women would enter on the SSS registration ance of providing untrained inductees at form a multi-digit number representing their M+193 runs counter to the SECDEF’s views thorization effort this year and last. BILL has specific critical skill (e.g., similar to mili- and is out-of-sync with possible wartime sce- always been a steady partner and a strong tary occupationa1 specialty or Armed Forces narios. defender of the program. He certainly hasn’t Specialty Code with Skill Identifier), taken 2. Return the SSS to ‘‘Deep Standby’’ sta- been reluctant to voice his strong support for from a lengthy list of skills to be compiled tus. If a draft of any kind is highly unlikely increased investment in transportation. He is a and published by the Departments of Defense and undesirable, eliminate peacetime reg- great fighter, and we have been lucky to have and Homeland Security. Individuals pro- istration and dismiss the 10,000 trained vol- him on our side during this particular fight. I ficient in more than one critical skill would unteer Board Members. However, should a have valued his advice and counsel these list the practiced skill in which they have draft be needed, it would take more than a the greatest degree of experience and com- year to get the system capable of conducting past two years as together we have worked to petency. They would also be required to up- a fair and equitable draft from Deep Standby produce a transportation program that moves date reported information as necessary until status. our country forward. they reach age 35. This unique data base 3. Restructure the SSS and shift its peace- Beyond our work together on the Sub- would provide the military (and national, time focus to accommodate DoD’s most like- committee, we have worked together on other state, and municipal government agencies) ly requirements in a crisis. Plan for con- issues, such as the expansion of O’Hare and with immediately available links to vital ducting a more likely draft of individuals many years fighting the whistle ban to protect human resources . . . in effect, a single, most with special and critical skills. our towns that had developed around the rail- a. Minimum requirement: SSS mission accurate and complete, national inventory of road tracks crisscrossing through our districts. young Americans with special skills. guidance and time lines must be redefined While the data base’s ‘‘worst-case’’ use promptly by DoD to allow more relevant pre- Apart from the Committee activities, BILL might be to draft such personnel into mili- mobilization planning and funding for the has been a tireless advocate for his constitu- tary or homeland security assignments dur- possibility of a critical skills draft at M+90 ents. He was born on the southwest side of ing a national mobilization, its very prac- of sooner. Peacetime registration of men 18 Chicago, and he truly knows and understands tical peacetime use could be to support re- through 25 would continue, but consideration his district. Prior to coming to Washington, cruiting and direct marketing campaigns would also be given to identifying men with BILL was a Chicago City alderman and he still aimed at encouraging skilled personnel to certain critical skills among these year-of- is a Ward committeeman—a good education volunteer for community or military service birth groupings. A post-mobilization plan opportunities, and to consider applying for would also be devised and computer pro- for any member of this House! hard-to-fill public sector jobs. Local govern- gramming accomplished for a full-blown So I want to acknowledge BILL’s courage, ment agencies could also tap this data base critical skills draft. The HCPDS program is his strength in standing by his convictions, and to locate nearby specialists for help with do- completed, brought to the forefront of SSS his love for the city of Chicago. He has had a mestic crises and emergency situations. readiness planning, and tested through exer- real impact, and his successes can be seen With the changes described above, SSS cises. Without a reaffirmation of relevance all over the city—whether riding the ‘‘el’’ or programs would be modified to serve the con- and adjustment of mission, the SSS will be landing on a plane at Midway. temporary needs of several customers: De- an easy target for reduction or elimination I wish him and his wife, Rose Marie, all the partment of Defense; Department of Home- by detractors in the Congress and the Ad- land Security (FEMA. U.S. Border Patrol, best on his retirement. He has been a valu- ministration. able member of the House, and we will miss U.S. Customs, INS). Corporation for National b. Expanded pre-mobilization requirement: Service, Public Health Service, and other SSS peacetime registration expanded to in- him. federal and state agencies seeking personnel clude women and men, 18 through 34 years f with critical skills for national security or old, and collects information on critical community service assignments. The SSS skills within these year-of-birth groupings. TRIBUTE TO MR. BILL LIPINSKI would thus play a more vital, relevant, and Requires change of law and additional fund- immediate role in shoring up America’s ing (see Issue Paper dated 11 Feb 2003). HON. PHILIP M. CRANE strength and readiness in peace and war. B. If more examination of the issue and op- OF ILLINOIS II. Are today’s SSS capabilities in sync with tions is needed, consider forming an inter- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DoD needs? agency task force to provide the Administra- A. Is there a need to preserve the capa- tion with a policy recommendation. Possible Friday, October 8, 2004 bility of conducting a draft of untrained players: DoD, SSS, DHS, NSC, OMB, Cor- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to manpower? If so, is the time frame still poration for National Service, PHS, others. join my colleagues in a tribute to my good M+193? C. After suitable analysis, obtain a White friend, BILL LIPINSKI, who has made countless B. How likely is it that DoD will need SSS House Statement of Administration Policy contributions to the State of Illinois and to the to conduct a Health Care draft? (SAP) announcing plans for the future of the C. Now severe are any other critical skills SSS (course of action l, 2, or 3, above). country during his years serving in the House. shortages in the military? D. If the SSS is to expand its pre-mobiliza- George Washington is quoted as saying, D. Are the Clinton-era’s abstract reasons tion activities to include registration of ‘‘How far you go in life depends on your being for preserving the SSS and peacetime reg- women and collection of critical skills iden- tender with the young, compassionate with the istration still valid? tifiers, it will be necessary to market the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and toler- E. Would DoD still fight any and all Con- concept for approval by the Armed Services gressional initiatives to cut or eliminate the ant of the weak and the strong. Because Committees and Appropriations Committee SSS? someday in life you will have been all of draft implementing legislation for congres- these.’’ I believe BILL LIPINSKI modeled his III. Consider restructuring the SSS to address sional consideration. The changes will be im- contemporary national security needs plemented after the amended law is signed Congressional career around this quote. A. Focus might be on relieving critical and funding is identified. BILL’s efforts in transforming our country’s skills shortages transportation infrastructure, especially that in f B. Include potential service to DHS and the State of Illinois, has made every Ameri- other government agencies that must at- TRIBUTE TO MR. LIPINSKI can’s life a little easier by more efficient travel. tract/recruit skilled personnel. Throughout the years, BILL and I have worked C. Explore the feasibility of developing a single-point data base of virtually all young HON. THOMAS E. PETRI together on several transportation projects, Americans, 18 through 34 years old, imme- OF WISCONSIN from Metra expansion to road projects. In diately identifiable by critical skills pos- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES working with him on each of these projects, he sessed and practiced. Data base could be used showed great leadership, but most of all he for a draft in war and for recruiting in peace- Friday, October 8, 2004 showed great friendship. It is for this that I ad- time. Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I want to join in mire BILL the most. He could look past the 1. Would require modification of SSS mis- this tribute to the many years of public service sion and changes to authorizing law. harsh realities of partisan politics and work 2. Cost considerations. and the more than 20 years of service here in with me to help residents within my district. I IV. Next steps—Statement of Administration the House of our colleague BILL LIPINSKI. will be eternally grateful not only for BILL’s Policy needed I have had the privilege of serving with BILL support of the projects he and I worked on but A. DoD decides what services it needs and on the Transportation and Infrastructure Com- also for his friendship. wants from SSS: Three options for consider- mittee for many years. During this Congress, Another thing I will always remember BILL ation: he has served as the ranking Democrat on the for is his independence. While BILL is a loyal

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