Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committee on Judiciary and its Subcommittee on Immigration and the Committee on Homeland Security and its Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and Co-Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, issued the following statement about her bill modernizing the Military Selective Service Act:

“Historically, the United States has been a beacon of stability serving as the global leader during uncertain times. Our Commander in Chief has been entrusted to have a steady hand on the tiller, demonstrating restraint and good judgement in the face of mounting tensions.

“Unfortunately, with this President, this has not been the case. Trump’s reckless rhetoric has further strained relations with our adversaries, and drawn America closer to military confrontation. Therefore, the United States must modernize the Military Selective Service Act to be prepared to meet and defeat any aggressor.

“That is why I have introduced H.R. 4141, the Selective Service Modernization Act of 2017 or SSMA, a bill that enhances our government’s ability to know how many persons are available for military service, while enhancing the fairness and efficiency of the system used to draft persons into the armed services if needed.

“SSMA mandates the President maintain accurate records of persons registered for selective service, excluding those who are deceased, and those who are disabled and receiving federal benefits. The bill would also codify into law the expungement of convictions and the commuting of sentences of non-violent offenders who are inducted into military service.

“It is beyond time that the Military Selective Service Act be modernized to correct well-noted deficiencies. The Selective Service Modernization Act of 2017 will help in this regard.”