Hollings would vote against his own draft bill

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The retiring Democrat said in a statement Wednesday that President Bush misled people into fighting a war in Iraq that can't be won.

"We introduced a draft bill in January 2003, when our nation's defense needed more troops and we still do," Hollings said. "You don't draft young Americans for a mistake, particularly when they can't win. Under these circumstances, I would vote against my own bill."

There's little chance of the Senate bringing up Hollings' bill before Congress adjourns at the end of this week. His bill hasn't had subcommittee or committee hearings, preludes to getting on the Senate floor.

The House voted 402-2 on Tuesday to defeat an identical measure by Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., who voted against his own bill.

Republican leaders brought up Rangel's bill under a parliamentary maneuver that discourages debate, saying they wanted to quash persistent rumors that Bush supports the draft.

Rangel voted no because he wanted a floor debate on the military's size. He accused the GOP of curtailing discussion on a vital issue.

Bush said in a statement after the House's vote that he would veto any draft bill.

"America's all-volunteer military is the best in the world, and reinstating the draft would be bad policy. We have increased pay and benefits to ensure that our troops have the resources they need to fight and win the war on terror," Bush said.

Hollings' bill called for men and women between 18 and 26 to be drafted for at least two years. The draft expired in 1973, according to Dan Amon of the Selective Service System. It was last used during the Vietnam War.