Chet Edwards: “if there is anything predictable about wars, it is that no one can predict when and where they will break out. Who in…”

“if there is anything predictable about wars, it is that no one can predict when and where they will break out. Who in this House would have predicted just a few years ago that America would have to send 500,000 of its citizens to fight against Saddam Hussein in Kuwait? Who in this House can predict with certainty where future conflicts might occur? The fact is nobody can do that, and that is exactly why we need to spend a small amount of money for a selective service registration system, in effect, a military insurance system. It just makes common sense. If we are going to downsize our military forces, then we need an insurance policy to help us mobilize forces in the event of a major conflict. This should not be a vote based on whether one is a defense dove or hawk. In fact, for those Members who want to make even deeper defense cuts, it makes sense to have in place a selective service registration system in case a smaller military force cannot handle a future crisis. I hope we never need to use the Selective Service System just as I hope none of us ever needs to use our fire insurance on a house, but this is an insurance policy America must have. For these reasons, I respectfully ask Members to vote ``no'' on this amendment.”