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H.R. 163: Universal National Service Act of 2003

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H.R. 163: Universal National Service Act of 2003

108th Congress · introduced 2003-01-07 · Armed Forces and National Security · Latest: 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)

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2003-01-07 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 494 (2004): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, HR163 (2004-10-05), Failed. See all
  4. Where it stands now: 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) (final step reached)
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Universal National Service Act of 2003

Plain summary

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.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Universal National Service Act of 2003

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15] · 15 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

Recorded votes

Words on this page, explained (3)
Authorization
A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Exemption
A rule that removes certain people, property or activities from a tax or requirement.
Obligation
A binding promise by a government agency to pay money, for example by signing a contract or awarding a grant. Spending data such as USAspending.gov counts money when it is obligated, which can be before it is actually paid out.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong108-hr163 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108