Key facts
- House Armed Services Committee advanced a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill.
- The bill requires the Pentagon to notify Congress within five days of senior officer dismissals.
- The legislation supports a pay raise for service members.
- Measures aim to increase accountability for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- An amendment to formally change the Department of Defense to the 'Department of War' was adopted by House GOP lawmakers.
The House Armed Services Committee has advanced a defense policy bill, authorizing approximately $1.15 trillion for the Pentagon. The legislation includes provisions aimed at increasing accountability, notably a measure that requires the Pentagon to inform Congress within five days about the reasons for firing or dismissing senior military officers. This provision, introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), was adopted by bipartisan voice vote. The bill also supports a pay raise for service members and includes acquisition reforms. Additionally, House GOP lawmakers adopted an amendment from Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) to formally change the Department of Defense to the 'Department of War'. The measures are seen as increasing pressure on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.