Ronald Dellums: “it is very frustrating to try to argue in the context of this bill and the important issue that gets raised by it, it is…”

“it is very frustrating to try to argue in the context of this bill and the important issue that gets raised by it, it is one thing for our adversaries not to listen, but it is certainly disconcerting when our ostensible friends are not willing to listen in the context of an important debate. Mr. Chairman, I have always tried to respect my colleagues in this Chamber, to give them my undivided attention, even my adversaries. I give them the respect of my willingness to listen to them. When our friends do not give us an opportunity to make our case on the floor of this Chamber, it is frustrating and difficult. What this amendment is about is whether or not we will continue to have 18-year-old people register for the draft when there is no ostensible reason nor need to do so, so I would like to, in some atmosphere that gives us some reasonable opportunity to present these arguments, to do so in an atmosphere that is conducive to dignity and respect, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, military recruiters should be able to utilize alternative sources to meet their needs, and increases in opportunities for women in the services will expand the available pool of recruits, as well as an expanded number of voluntary age young people generally will aid recruitment. As the DOD noted, elimination of peacetime registration will have minimal discernible effect on overall recruiting in the armed services.”