Story highlights Would be first time in history

Some Republicans oppose drafting women

Washington (CNN) Women may soon be required to register for the military draft.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a $602 billion defense bill Tuesday that included an amendment that would require women to register for the draft -- also known as the selective service -- for the first time in history.

The National Defense Authorization Act passed 85-13, although some Republican senators protested against the inclusion of the provision pertaining to women and the draft.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, slammed the measure last week during a Senate session, calling it "a radical departure" from American history.

"The idea that we should forcibly conscript young girls into combat to my mind makes little or no sense," he said.

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