WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee has approved an amendment to the annual defense policy bill that requires women to register for the military draft.

The House Armed Services Committee approved Congressman Duncan Hunter's measure Wednesday by a vote of 32-20.

Hunter, a California Republican and former Marine who served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, says the draft is sexist because only men are required to register for the draft. He says his amendment is primarily aimed at provoking a national discussion of the Pentagon's decision to open all combat jobs to women.

Hunter's amendment won support from Democrats and Republicans. Congresswoman Jackie Speier, a California Democrat, says if women want equality, there needs to be universal conscription.

Other lawmakers voiced support for eliminating the draft.