|Federal Legislation||March 14, 2003| S. 89—Universal National
Service Act of 2003 None at this time. HSLDA's National Center
is tracking this legislation. Official purpose: A bill to
provide for the common defense by requiring that all young
persons in the United States, including women, perform a period
of military service or a period of civilian service in
furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, and
for other purposes. The language of this bill mandates a
national service obligation for every U.S. citizen and permanent
resident, aged 18-26. It authorizes the President to establish
both the number of people to be selected for military service,
and the means of selection. Additionally, the measure requires
those not selected specifically for military service to perform
their national service obligation in a civilian capacity for at
least two years. S. 89 language permits: - Deferments for
education only through high school graduation, or until the age
of 20. - Exceptions are made for those