Washington ? Hoping to spark debate and stir the “conscience of America,” Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., introduced a bill Tuesday to reinstate the draft so the burden of war is borne by both rich and poor.

“If our great nation becomes involved in an all-out war, the sacrifice must be equally shared,” Rangel said. “We’re talking about America and the responsibility should be shared by all Americans.”

Citing statistics that show people of color make up about 30 percent of the military, Rangel said minorities and poor people are disproportionately represented.

“For those who say the poor fight better, I say give the rich a chance,” Rangel said.

Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran who opposes a war with Iraq, noted that few members of Congress have sons or daughters in the military. If supporters of the war knew their children would be at risk, there would be a “greater willingness to work with the international community in dealing with Iraq,” Rangel said.

The measure would require a two-year mandatory military service or national service in a civilian capacity for every man and woman aged 18 to 26 who does not have a physical or mental disability. It would make no exception for those in college, but would allow those in high school to finish. The last draft ended in 1973.