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HR 163 108th Congress House

Universal National Service Act of 2003

Official title: To provide for the common defense by requiring that all young persons in the United States, including women, perform a period of military service or a period o… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To provide for the common defense by requiring that all young persons in the United States, including women, perform a period of military service or a period of civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 28, 2003 See on congress.gov
Armed Forces and National Security Administrative procedureArmed forces reservesCompulsory military serviceConscientious objectors
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Disability evaluationDisabledDraft registrationEducationElementary and secondary educationExecutive Office of the PresidentGovernment Operations and PoliticsHealthHigher educationLabor and EmploymentLawMilitary dischargesMilitary educationMilitary trainingNational service
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This bill died when the 108th Congress ended
It never became law before the 108th Congress (2003–2004) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 8 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 5, 2004
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 2 - 402 (Roll no. 494). (text: CR H8117-8118)
Oct 5, 2004
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 163.
Oct 5, 2004
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8117-8130)
Oct 5, 2004
Mr. McHugh moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Feb 3, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Total Force.
Feb 3, 2003
Executive Comment Requested from DOD.
Jan 7, 2003
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Jan 7, 2003
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Oct 5, 2004 House · vote #494 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Failed 2–402 See who voted →
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 Latest action October 5, 2004

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 2 - 402 (Roll no. 494). (text: CR H8117-8118)

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Universal National Service Act of 2003 - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 26 to perform a two-year period of national service, unless exempted, either as a member of an active or reserve component of the armed forces or in a civilian capacity that promotes national defense. Requires induction into national service by the President. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from military service that includes combatant training; and (2) discharge following national service.

Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 89 Identical bill Universal National Service Act of 2003
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Democratic 1
D
Velázquez, Nydia M.
New York · Jan 28, 2003
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 163: Universal National Service Act of 2003. 108th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-163/
MLA
"H.R. 163: Universal National Service Act of 2003." 108th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-163/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 163, 108th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-163/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 163: Universal National Service Act of 2003](https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-163/)
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