U.S. Rep. Nick Smith, R-Addison, introduced a bill Tuesday that would require young men to be available to serve in the military or national community service for at least six months.
“Military training and experience prepares communities for potential challenges while encouraging community and national service,” Smith said in a statement. “The common experience of most men serving their country prior to 1973 had a very unifying effect.”
If the bill becomes law, a 10-year phase would begin with those who graduate high school or turn 21 after July 2004. Young men would receive training and education and be allowed the option of community or national service for a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year.
State will study new rule to declare a fetus an unborn baby
The federal Department of Health and Human Services proposed a new rule Thursday that would allow states to declare a fetus an unborn child. This would make pregnant women eligible for health insurance under the federal Childrens Health Insurance Program.State officials were preparing to study a proposed new federal rule that would allow states to declare a fetus an unborn baby.
Pro-choice activists have accused the proposal of restricting a woman’s right to have an abortion, which has been legal for 29 years. If the rule is adopted, states could elect on their own to expand coverage to pregnant women without federal approval. Action is not expected until spring.
