Thomas Burton | Support HB55

As a 100% combat-disabled veteran, I am writing to express my support for the repeal of the Selective Service Registration Awareness and Compliance Act. As someone who has dedicated my life to serving this country, I believe strongly in the principles of personal freedom, informed choice, and equal treatment under the law. Repealing this act is an important step toward aligning with those values. The Selective Service system, and the awareness and compliance measures tied to it, imposes an outdated mandate on young Americans, often with penalties that disproportionately affect those from lower-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. While I fully understand the need for national defense, I also believe that mandating registration under threat of punitive consequences undermines the voluntary spirit of service that defines our armed forces. Service to one’s country should be a choice made with conviction and pride, not one forced by coercive policies. By repealing this act, we honor the principle of personal liberty while allowing young men and women to engage with the question of service on their own terms. Furthermore, our modern military is composed of highly specialized, volunteer forces—individuals who have chosen this path out of commitment and a desire to serve. Maintaining a selective service registry in an era of professionalized military forces feels both unnecessary and out of step with current needs. As a disabled veteran, I have seen the incredible sacrifices required of those who serve. These sacrifices should never be borne by individuals who are forced into service against their will, nor should compliance with registration laws create barriers to education, employment, or personal advancement for those who may not even realize the implications of failing to register. I urge you to support the repeal of the Selective Service Registration Awareness and Compliance Act. Doing so will modernize our approach to military readiness while respecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens. Thank you for your dedication to serving the people of New Hampshire and for considering the perspective of those who have lived the realities of military service.