Congress may once again call on America's young people to serve and defend our nation in its time of need.

Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y. and Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-S.C., introduced legislation into Congress calling for a reinstitution of the military draft.

The Universal National Service Act of 2003 mandates a two-year national service obligation for every man and woman aged 18-26 who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

"National service" is defined in the bill as either military or civilian service, which the President would define, that promotes national or homeland security.

Young people who are not selected for military service, as well as conscientious objectors, would be obligated to perform their national service in a civilian capacity.

Educational deferment would only be allowed for the completion of high school, up to age 20.

Some students feel the government should not call them into service during their college years.

"This is America, it's supposed to be a democracy," animal science junior Lisa Callahan said. "You're supposed to have a choice of what to do with your life."

For more on this story please see Tuesday's edition of The State News.