House Armed Services Committee
Coverage of House Armed Services Committee in the Nexus archive.
- New Jersey governor says Trump has not achieved Iran war aims
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill stated that Trump has not achieved the war aims with Iran. She criticized the administration for shifting objectives and not accomplishing goals like eliminating Iran's missile program or ending its nuclear program.
- Chinese drone monopoly put on notice amid concerns over CCP spying: 'Strategic mistake'
Rep. Pat Harrigan is leading efforts to phase out Chinese-made drones in U.S. law enforcement due to security concerns. The American Drone Manufacturing Dominance Act of 2026 would allocate $1.5 billion from Trump's Section 301 tariffs to support domestic drone manufacturing and restrict foreign drone use after 2027. Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) is a major supplier of drones to U.S. law enforcement agencies, with 879 units registered in Texas in 2024.
- Senate panel approves Department of War name change
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved changing the Pentagon's name to the Department of War, advancing a rebranding effort initiated by President Donald Trump. The House Armed Services Committee also supported the change, signaling a strong chance of the name becoming law despite criticism from some lawmakers.
- US-Israel defence integration plan heads for House vote despite opposition
A proposal to expand US-Israel military technology cooperation is advancing toward a House vote despite opposition. The United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative, part of the NDAA, survived a committee challenge and would formalize joint projects in areas like AI and cyber security. Critics argue it could undermine US sovereignty, while supporters claim it builds on existing partnerships.
- House Republicans endorse Trump’s Department of War renaming
House Republicans on the Armed Services Committee voted to codify President Trump's executive order renaming the Pentagon as the Department of War in the annual defense bill. The proposal faces Senate resistance but has been endorsed by Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, while Democrats criticized it as wasteful and semantic nonsense.
- GOP squeezes Hegseth, but backs Pentagon rebranding: 4 NDAA takeaways
The House Armed Services Committee advanced a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill authorizing Pentagon funding, service member pay increases, support for U.S. allies, and acquisition reforms. The bill includes measures requiring greater accountability from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid bipartisan frustration.
- US Congress moves to tighten oversight of military affairs
The US Congress is advancing bipartisan measures to enhance oversight of Pentagon leadership, including requiring notification for senior officer dismissals and limiting unilateral military action against Iran. A War Powers resolution aims to restrict presidential authority for sustained military operations without congressional approval.
- 12 Democrats vote against Defense bill in rare committee split
Twelve Democrats voted against the House Armed Services Committee's $1.15 trillion Defense policy bill, a rare split. Rep. Adam Smith described it as a 'good solid bill' supporting troop pay raises, allies, and defense.
- House GOP moves to codify Hegseth’s ‘Department of War’ name change
Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee voted to rename the Department of Defense to the 'Department of War' through an amendment proposed by Rep. Ronny Jackson. The change was approved during a party-line vote as part of the annual defense policy bill debate.
- HASC adopts FY27 defense policy bill, adds right to repair language
The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) adopted the FY27 defense policy bill, which includes right to repair language. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., stated the provisions aim to streamline processes, cut red tape, and close loopholes to enable troops to repair equipment.
- House panel advances $1.15 trillion defense bill after marathon debate
The House Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, following a 14-hour debate on amendments. The measure advanced to the full House after committee approval.
- Amendment to eliminate funds for Trump-class battleship falters in HASC defense bill markup
An amendment to eliminate funding for the Trump-class battleship failed during the HASC defense bill markup. Rep. Adam Smith expressed confidence in the BBG(X) program's success, citing it as a sure Kalshi bet.
- House panel adopts measure on fired senior officers, putting pressure on Hegseth, Pentagon
The House Armed Services Committee adopted a provision in the annual National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Pentagon to notify Congress within five days when senior military officers are fired or dismissed. The measure, introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan, passed with bipartisan support.
- House panel demands more information on military firings
A House panel has mandated Pentagon officials to provide Congress with detailed justifications within five days for the dismissal of senior military leaders. The requirement, part of the House Armed Services Committee's draft National Defense Authorization Act, responds to bipartisan concerns over recent high-profile firings under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and other top officers.
- AI policy groups call for NDAA guardrails on lethal autonomous weapons
AI policy groups are urging House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders to include safeguards in the National Defense Authorization Act regarding the military's use of lethal autonomous weapons. The groups, including Americans for Responsible Innovation, Alliance for Secure AI, and The AI Policy Network, called for added guardrails in the defense policy bill.
- Democratic senators push for AI guardrails on military in NDAA
Democratic senators are pushing for AI guardrails in the NDAA to limit military use, including restrictions on nuclear weapons, surveillance, and AI deployment. The House Armed Services Committee is set to debate the bill.
- HASC still waiting for updated E-7 Wedgetail funding request
The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) remains awaiting an updated funding request for the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft. The delay suggests ongoing uncertainty in the procurement process for this critical defense asset.
- The US Navy is full speed ahead on building a laser fleet
The U.S. Navy is pursuing laser weapons as part of its future fleet strategy, with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle arguing they are necessary for missile defense. However, current Navy warships lack sufficient power generation to support high-energy laser systems, requiring next-generation warships to be designed from the ground up with the necessary power and cooling infrastructure.
- Tense exchange between Rep. Crow and CENTCOM commander over Iran, rules on quarter for enemies
Rep. Jason Crow questioned CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper about rules on quarter for enemies during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, following comments by Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth on showing no mercy to enemies in the war with Iran. The exchange was tense and focused on the treatment of enemies. The hearing highlighted the complexities of warfare rules.
- WATCH: CENTCOM chief unloads after Dem asks ‘how many more Americans’ must die in Iran war
Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper clashed with Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton over the US Iran strategy during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. The confrontation came amid rising tensions and reports of Iranian missile infrastructure rebuild. Fourteen US service members have died in combat since Operation Epic Fury began.
- WATCH: CENTCOM chief unloads after Dem asks ‘how many more Americans’ must die in Iran war
Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper clashed with Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton over the Iran war strategy during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Moulton questioned how many more Americans would die due to the strategy, which he called a mistake. The hearing came amid reports of rising oil prices and instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Internal Pentagon Report Reveals Hegseth Is Willfully Putting Civilians in Danger
The Pentagon's top watchdog reports that cuts to civilian harm mitigation efforts under War Secretary Pete Hegseth have severely impaired the US ability to protect civilians in conflict zones. The inspector general found serious deficiencies in implementing the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan. This has led to criticism from lawmakers, including Rep. Sara Jacobs, who call for immediate reversal of these policies.
- HASC leader threatens Pentagon with ‘pain’ over canceled Europe deployment
A House Armed Services Committee (HASC) leader has threatened the Pentagon with consequences over a canceled military deployment to Europe. The threat reflects tensions between congressional leadership and Department of Defense decisions regarding troop positioning and strategic deployment plans.
- Republicans grill Army leaders on pulling Poland troops: ‘We’re not happy’
Republican lawmakers grilled Army leaders over the cancellation of a temporary deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland. The decision was made by the Pentagon and has caused dissatisfaction among lawmakers. The House Armed Services Committee is seeking clarification on the matter.
- Watch live: Army chief testifies before House on budget amid Iran turmoil
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will testify before the House Armed Services Committee about President Trump's fiscal 2027 budget request. The White House is seeking $1.5 trillion for the Defense Department next year. Tensions with Iran are a key factor in the budget discussion.
- Navy admiral: Epic Fury could force tough cuts, personnel problems by July
Naval Operations Chief Adm. Daryl Caudle warned of potential cuts in training, routine operations and personnel by July due to lack of supplemental funding for Operation Epic Fury. The fiscal 2026 budget did not account for the operation. Cuts may be necessary without additional funding.
- Watch live: Defense tech officials testify before House on Pentagon’s digital posture
The Pentagon's top technology officer, Emily Michael, will testify before a House Armed Services Committee panel about the U.S. military's digital posture. The hearing comes after eight major artificial intelligence firms agreed to deploy their systems within the Defense Department's classified networks. This development aims to enhance the military's digital capabilities.
- Rep. Jason Crow says U.S. is "not good at having off ramps" in Middle East conflicts
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the U.S. for its lack of strategic 'off ramps' in Middle East conflicts, citing the Iran war as a recent example of this failure.
- Germany troop cuts send wrong signal to Russia, say two top US Republicans
Two top US Republicans, chairs of the House and Senate armed services committees, criticize Germany's troop cuts, arguing that withdrawing 5,000 service personnel risks weakening deterrence against Russia.
- Germany troop cuts send wrong signal to Russia, say two top US Republicans
Two top US Republicans warn that Germany's plan to withdraw 5,000 troops risks weakening deterrence against Russia, according to the chairs of the House and Senate armed services committees.
- Armed Services Republicans ‘very concerned’ about US troops withdrawal from Germany
The chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services committees expressed concern over the potential withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany amid tensions between President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump announced he is reviewing a possible reduction of U.S. troops in Germany.
- Hegseth recasts Bitcoin as national security asset amid Russia, China expansion
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Bitcoin projects within the Pentagon are 'classified and ongoing,' framing the cryptocurrency as a strategic tool for American power. His comments, made during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, highlight Bitcoin's potential in geopolitical strategy amid Russia and China's expansion in digital assets to bypass US sanctions.
- Top Democrat: Hegseth should have appeared ‘before they went to war’
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for not appearing before Congress prior to the war with Iran, citing concerns over the conflict's escalating costs. Hegseth made his first congressional appearance since the war began during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
- Rep Seth Moulton says Hegseth is 'guilty' of war crimes, links him to Nazis tried during World War II
Rep. Seth Moulton accused Secretary of War Pete Hegseth of committing war crimes by ordering strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, comparing Hegseth's actions to Nazi submarine captains tried during WWII. Moulton claimed the targets were likely fishermen, not war criminals, and criticized the 'double tap' strikes on survivors.
- Watch key moments from Pete Hegseth's testimony about Pentagon funding, Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request, clashing with Democrats and accusing opponents of the Iran war of being enemies. Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst disclosed the conflict has cost the U.S. $25 billion.
- How lawmakers reacted to Hegseth's testimony on Iran War
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the Iran War, but some lawmakers expressed skepticism about his responses. NBC News' Ryan Nobles analyzed the hearing and highlighted the lack of convincing evidence or arguments presented by Hegseth.
- Hegseth Brags of a Deadlier War Machine as U.S. Unleashes “Devastating Civilian Harm Globally”
President Donald Trump's second term has seen a surge in civilian casualties globally, with the U.S. military conducting attacks across multiple continents. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth dismissed congressional concerns about civilian harm and adherence to the laws of war, as experts highlight unprecedented civilian deaths in regions like Yemen, Iran, and Somalia.
- Lawmakers press Pete Hegseth about Kuwait strike in Iran war that killed 6 U.S. troops
Top Pentagon leaders, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, testified before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the Iran war and a Kuwait strike that killed 6 U.S. troops. Lawmakers posed tough questions during the hearing.
- Pete Hegseth gets into heated exchange with congressman about troop deaths in Iran war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the Pentagon's 2027 budget request of $1.5 trillion. The hearing included a heated exchange about troop deaths in the Iran war.
- Hegseth, Khanna spar over economic impact of Iran war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the rising cost of the Iran war during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, while Rep. Ro Khanna challenged the Pentagon’s $25 billion cost estimate, suggesting the actual figure is significantly higher.