[House Report 117-666]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 485
117th Congress,2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 117-666
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES
of the
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
for the
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
December 27, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
50-154 WASHINGTON : 2023
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
One Hundred Seventeenth Congress
ADAM SMITH, Washington, Chairman
JAMES R. LANGEVIN, Rhode Island MIKE ROGERS, Alabama
RICK LARSEN, Washington JOE WILSON, South Carolina
JIM COOPER, Tennessee MICHAEL R. TURNER, Ohio
JOE COURTNEY, Connecticut DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
JOHN GARAMENDI, California ROBERT J. WITTMAN, Virginia
JACKIE SPEIER, California VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri
DONALD NORCROSS, New Jersey AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia
RUBEN GALLEGO, Arizona MO BROOKS, Alabama
SETH MOULTON, Massachusetts SAM GRAVES, Missouri
SALUD O. CARBAJAL, California ELISE M. STEFANIK, New York
ANTHONY G. BROWN, Maryland, SCOTT DesJARLAIS, Tennessee
RO KHANNA, California TRENT KELLY, Mississippi
WILLIAM R. KEATING, Massachusetts MIKE GALLAGHER, Wisconsin
ANDY KIM, New Jersey MATT GAETZ, Florida
CHRISSY HOULAHAN, Pennsylvania DON BACON, Nebraska
JASON CROW, Colorado JIM BANKS, Indiana
ELISSA SLOTKIN, Michigan LIZ CHENEY, Wyoming
MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey JACK BERGMAN, Michigan
VERONICA ESCOBAR, Texas MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida
JARED F. GOLDEN, Maine MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana
ELAINE G. LURIA, Virginia, Vice MARK E. GREEN, Tennessee
Chair STEPHANIE I. BICE, Oklahoma
SARA JACOBS, California C. SCOTT FRANKLIN, Florida
KAIALI'I KAHELE, Hawaii LISA C. McCLAIN, Michigan
MARILYN STRICKLAND, Washington RONNY JACKSON, Texas
PATRICK RYAN, New York JERRY L. CARL, Alabama
MARC A. VEASEY, Texas BLAKE D. MOORE, Utah
JIMMY PANETTA, California PAT FALLON, Texas
STEPHANIE N. MURPHY, Florida
STEVEN HORSFORD, Nevada
SYLVIA R. GARCIA, Texas
Brian Garrett, Staff Director
Zach Steacy, Director, Legislative Operations
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Armed Services,
Washington, DC, December 27, 2022.
Hon. Cheryl L. Johnson,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Johnson: Pursuant to clause 1(d) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, I present herewith the
report on the activities of the Committee on Armed Services for
the 117th Congress.
Sincerely,
Adam Smith,
Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Powers and Duties................................................ 1
Committee Rules.................................................. 4
Composition of the Committee on Armed Services................... 17
Committee Staff.................................................. 23
Committee Meetings and Hearings.................................. 25
Legislative Activities........................................... 25
Oversight Activities............................................. 31
Publications..................................................... 87
Union Calendar No. 485
117th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 117-666
======================================================================
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES FOR THE
117TH CONGRESS
_______
December 27, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Smith of Washington, from the Committee on Armed Services,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
POWERS AND DUTIES
Background
The House Committee on Armed Services, a standing committee
of Congress, was established on January 2, 1947, as a part of
the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 812), by
merging the Committees on Military Affairs and Naval Affairs.
The Committees on Military Affairs and Naval Affairs were
established in 1882. In 1885, jurisdiction over military and
naval appropriations was taken from the Committee on
Appropriations and given to the Committees on Military Affairs
and Naval Affairs, respectively. This practice continued until
July 1, 1920, when jurisdiction over all appropriations was
again placed in the Committee on Appropriations.
In the 93rd Congress, following a study by the House Select
Committee on Committees, the House passed H. Res. 988, the
Committee Reform Amendments of 1974, to be effective January 3,
1975. As a result of those amendments, the jurisdictional areas
of the Committee on Armed Services remained essentially
unchanged. However, oversight functions were amended to require
each standing committee to review and study on a continuing
basis all matters and jurisdiction of the committee. Also, the
Committee on Armed Services was to review and study on a
continuing basis all laws, programs, and Government activities
dealing with or involving international arms control and
disarmament and the education of military dependents in school.
The rules changes adopted by the House (H. Res. 5) on
January 4, 1977, placed new responsibilities in the field of
atomic energy in the Committee on Armed Services. Those
responsibilities involved the national security aspects of
atomic energy previously within the jurisdiction of the Joint
Committee on Atomic Energy. Public Law 95-110, effective
September 20, 1977, abolished the Joint Committee on Atomic
Energy.
With the adoption of H. Res. 658 on July 14, 1977, which
established the House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence, the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed
Service over intelligence matters was changed. That resolution
gave the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence oversight
responsibilities for intelligence and intelligence-related
activities and programs of the U.S. Government. Specifically,
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has exclusive
legislative jurisdiction regarding the Central Intelligence
Agency and the director of Central Intelligence, including
authorizations. Also, legislative jurisdiction over all
intelligence and intelligence-related activities and programs
was vested in the permanent select committee except that other
committees with a jurisdictional interest may request
consideration of any such matters. Accordingly, as a matter of
practice, the Committee on Armed Services shared jurisdiction
over the authorization process involving intelligence-related
activities.
The committee continues to have shared jurisdiction over
military intelligence activities as set forth in rule X of the
Rules of the House of Representatives.
With the adoption of House rules (H. Res. 5) on January 4,
1995, the Committee on National Security was established as the
successor committee to the Committee on Armed Services, and was
granted additional legislative and oversight authority over
merchant marine academies, national security aspects of
merchant marine policy and programs, and interoceanic canals.
Rules for the 104th Congress also codified the existing
jurisdiction of the committee over tactical intelligence
matters and the intelligence related activities of the
Department of Defense.
On January 6, 1999, the House adopted H. Res. 5, rules for
the 106th Congress, in which the Committee on National Security
was redesignated as the Committee on Armed Services.
On January 5, 2012, the House adopted H. Res. 5, rules for
the 112th Congress, which clarified the Committee on Armed
Services jurisdiction over Department of Defense administered
cemeteries.
On January 4, 2021, the House adopted H. Res. 8, rules for
the 117th Congress, in which the Marine Corps and the Space
Force were added to the list of U.S. military service branches
covered under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed
Services. Neither addition substantively altered the
committee's jurisdiction, and both were clarifying and
technical in nature.
Constitutional Powers and Duties
The powers and duties of Congress in relation to national
defense matters stem from Article I, section 8 of the United
States Constitution, which provides, among other things that
Congress shall have power:
To raise and support Armies;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make rules for the Government and Regulation of the land
and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the
Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed
in the Service of the United States;
To exercise exclusive Legislation . . . over all Places
purchased . . . for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals,
dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; and
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for
carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers.
House Rules on Jurisdiction
Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives
established the jurisdiction and related functions for each
standing committee. Under the rule, all bills, resolutions, and
other matters relating to subjects within the jurisdiction of
any standing committee shall be referred to such committee. The
jurisdiction of the House Committee on Armed Services, pursuant
to clause 1(c) of rule X is as follows:
(1) Ammunition depots; forts; arsenals; and Army, Navy,
Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force reservations and
establishments.
(2) Common defense generally.
(3) Conservation, development, and use of naval petroleum
and oil shale reserves.
(4) The Department of Defense generally, including the
Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, generally.
(5) Interoceanic canals generally, including measures
relating to the maintenance, operation, and administration of
interoceanic canals.
(6) Merchant Marine Academy and State Maritime Academies.
(7) Military applications of nuclear energy.
(8) Tactical intelligence and intelligence-related
activities of the Department of Defense.
(9) National security aspects of merchant marine, including
financial assistance for the construction and operation of
vessels, maintenance of the U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair
industrial base, cabotage, cargo preference, and merchant
marine officers and seafarers as these matters relate to the
national security.
(10) Pay, promotion, retirement, and other benefits and
privileges of members of the armed forces.
(11) Scientific research and development in support of the
armed services.
(12) Selective service.
(13) Size and composition of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps,
Air Force, and Space Force.
(14) Soldiers' and sailors' homes.
(15) Strategic and critical materials necessary for the
common defense.
(16) Cemeteries administered by the Department of Defense.
In addition to its legislative jurisdiction and general
oversight function, the Committee on Armed Services has special
oversight functions with respect to international arms control
and disarmament and the education of military dependents in
schools.
Investigative Authority and Legislative Oversight
H. Res. 988 of the 93rd Congress, the Committee Reform
Amendments of 1974, amended clause 1(b) of rule XI of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, to provide general authority
for each committee to investigate matters within its
jurisdiction. That amendment established a permanent
investigative authority and relieved the committee of the
former requirement of obtaining a renewal of the investigative
authority by a House resolution at the beginning of each
Congress. H. Res. 988 also amended rule X of the Rules of the
House of Representatives by requiring, as previously indicated,
that standing committees are to conduct legislative oversight
in the area of their respective jurisdiction, and by
establishing specific oversight functions for the Committee on
Armed Services.
The committee derives its authority to conduct oversight
from, among other things, clause 2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules
of the House of Representatives (relating to general oversight
responsibilities), clause 3(b) of rule X (relating to special
oversight functions), and clause 1(b) of rule XI (relating to
investigations and studies).
COMMITTEE RULES
The committee held its organizational meeting on February
3, 2021, and adopted the following rules governing rules and
procedure for oversight hearings conducted by the full
committee and its subcommittees.
(H.A.S.C. 117-1; Committee Print No. 1)
RULE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) The Rules of the House of Representatives are the rules
of the Committee on Armed Services (hereinafter referred to in
these rules as the ``Committee'') and its subcommittees so far
as applicable.
(b) Pursuant to clause 2(a)(2) of rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the Committee's rules shall be
publicly available in electronic form and published in the
Congressional Record not later than 60 days after the chair of
the committee is elected in each odd-numbered year.
RULE 2. FULL COMMITTEE MEETING DATE
(a) The Committee shall meet every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.,
when the House of Representatives is in session, and at such
other times as may be fixed by the Chair of the Committee
(hereinafter referred to as the ``Chair''), or by written
request of members of the Committee pursuant to clause 2(c) of
rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
(b) A Wednesday meeting of the Committee may be dispensed
with by the Chair, but such action may be reversed by a written
request of a majority of the members of the Committee.
RULE 3. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING DATES
Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings,
receive evidence, and report to the Committee on all matters
referred to it. Insofar as possible, meetings of the Committee
and its subcommittees shall not conflict. A subcommittee Chair
shall set meeting dates after consultation with the Chair,
other subcommittee chairs, and the ranking minority member of
the subcommittee with a view toward avoiding, whenever
possible, simultaneous scheduling of Committee and subcommittee
meetings or hearings.
RULE 4. JURISDICTION AND MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES
(a) Jurisdiction
(1) The Committee retains jurisdiction of all subjects
listed in clause 1(c) and clause 3(b) of rule X of the Rules of
the House of Representatives and retains exclusive jurisdiction
for: defense policy generally, ongoing military operations, the
organization and reform of the Department of Defense and the
Department of Energy, counter-drug programs, security
cooperation and humanitarian assistance activities (except
special operations-related activities) of the Department of
Defense, acquisition and industrial base policy, technology
transfer and export controls, joint interoperability, detainee
affairs and policy, force protection policy, and inter-agency
reform as it pertains to the Department of Defense and the
nuclear weapons programs of the Department of Energy. While
subcommittees are provided jurisdictional responsibilities in
subparagraph (a)(2) and are required to conduct oversight in
their respective jurisdictions, pursuant to clause 2(b)(2) of
rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee retains the right to exercise oversight and
legislative jurisdiction over all subjects within its purview
under rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
(2) The Committee shall be organized to consist of seven
standing subcommittees with the following jurisdictions:
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces: Army programs
and accounts related to aircraft, ground equipment, missiles,
ammunition, and other procurement; Marine Corps programs and
accounts related to ground and amphibious equipment, fighter
aircraft, helicopters, air-launched weapons, and ammunition;
Air Force programs and accounts related to fighter, training,
reconnaissance and surveillance, and electronic warfare
aircraft, helicopters, air-launched weapons, ground equipment,
and ammunition; Navy programs and accounts related to fighter,
training, and electronic warfare aircraft, helicopters, and
air-launched weapons; tactical air and missile defense programs
and accounts; chemical agent and munition destruction programs
and accounts; and National Guard and Reserve equipment programs
and accounts.
Subcommittee on Military Personnel: Department of Defense
policy and programs and accounts related to military personnel
and their families, Reserve Component integration and
employment, military health care, military education, dependent
schools, POW/MIA issues, Morale, Welfare and Recreation,
commissaries, cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Defense, the Uniform Code of Military Justice,
and military retirement issues.
Subcommittee on Readiness: Department of Defense policy and
programs and accounts related to military readiness, training,
logistics and maintenance, military construction, organic
industrial base, the civilian and contract workforce,
environment, military installations and real property
management, family housing, base realignments and closures, and
energy.
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces: Navy and
Marine Corps acquisition programs and accounts related to
shipbuilding and conversion, reconnaissance and surveillance,
tanker, and airlift aircraft, ship and submarine-launched
weapons, ammunition, and other procurements; Air Force programs
and accounts related to bomber, tanker, and airlift aircraft;
Army programs and accounts related to waterborne vessels; and
Maritime policy and programs and accounts under the
jurisdiction of the Committee as delineated in paragraphs 5 and
9 of clause 1(c) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces: Department of Defense and
Department of Energy policy related to strategic deterrence,
strategic stability, nuclear weapons, strategic and nuclear
arms control, non-proliferation, nuclear safety, missile
defense, and space; Department of Defense programs and accounts
related to nuclear weapons, strategic missiles, nuclear command
and control systems, Department of Defense intelligence space,
space systems and services of the military departments, and
intermediate and long-range missile defense systems; and
Department of Energy national security programs and accounts.
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations:
Department of Defense policy and programs and accounts related
to military intelligence, national intelligence, countering
weapons of mass destruction, counter-proliferation, counter-
terrorism, other sensitive military operations, and special
operations forces.
Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and
Information Systems: Department of Defense policy related to
the acquisition of computer software, the electromagnetic
spectrum, and electromagnetic warfare; and Department of
Defense policy and programs and accounts related to artificial
intelligence, cyber security, cyber operations, cyber forces,
information technology, information operations, and science and
technology (including defense-wide programs and accounts
related to research, development, testing, and evaluation,
except for those defense-wide programs and accounts related to
research, development, testing, and evaluation of missile
defense systems).
(3) Definitions--For the purposes of subparagraph (a)(2):
(A) The phrase ``programs and accounts'' means
acquisition and modernization programs, sustainment
planning during program development, and related
funding lines for procurement, advanced development,
advanced component development and prototypes, systems
development, sustainment planning, and demonstration.
(B) The term ``policy'' means statutes, regulations,
directives, and other institutional guidance.
(C) The phrase ``science and technology'' means
science and technology programs and related funding
lines for basic research, applied research, and non-
acquisition program advanced development.
(b) Membership of the Subcommittees
(1) Subcommittee memberships shall be filled in accordance
with the rules of the majority party's caucus and the minority
party's conference, respectively.
(2) The Chair of the Committee and the Ranking Minority
Member thereof (hereinafter referred to as the ``Ranking
Minority Member'') may sit as ex officio members of all
subcommittees. Ex officio members shall not vote in
subcommittee hearings or meetings or be taken into
consideration for the purpose of determining the ratio of the
subcommittees or establishing a quorum at subcommittee hearings
or meetings.
(3) A member of the Committee who is not a member of a
particular subcommittee may sit with the subcommittee and
participate during any of its hearings but shall not have
authority to vote, cannot be counted for the purpose of
achieving a quorum, and cannot raise a point of order at the
hearing.
RULE 5. COMMITTEE PANELS AND TASK FORCES
(a) Committee Panels
(1) The Chair may designate a panel of the Committee
consisting of members of the Committee to inquire into and take
testimony on a matter or matters that fall within the
jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee and to report to the
Committee.
(2) No panel appointed by the Chair shall continue in
existence for more than six months after the appointment. A
panel so appointed may, upon the expiration of six months, be
reappointed by the Chair for a period of time which is not to
exceed six months.
(3) Consistent with the party ratios established by the
majority party, all majority members of the panels shall be
appointed by the Chair, and all minority members shall be
appointed by the Ranking Minority Member. The Chair shall
choose one of the majority members so appointed who does not
currently chair another subcommittee of the Committee to serve
as Chair of the panel. The Ranking Minority Member shall
similarly choose the ranking minority member of the panel.
(4) No panel shall have legislative jurisdiction.
(b) Committee and Subcommittee Task Forces
(1) The Chair, or the Chair of a subcommittee with the
concurrence of the Chair, may designate a task force to inquire
into and take testimony on a matter that falls within the
jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee, respectively.
The Chair and the Ranking Minority Member or the Chair and the
ranking minority member of a subcommittee shall each appoint an
equal number of members to the task force. The Chair or the
Chair of a subcommittee shall choose one of the members so
appointed, who does not currently chair another subcommittee of
the Committee, to serve as Chair of the task force. The Ranking
Minority Member or the ranking minority member of a
subcommittee shall similarly appoint the ranking minority
member of the task force.
(2) No task force appointed by the Chair or the Chair of a
subcommittee shall continue in existence for more than three
months. A task force may only be reappointed for an additional
three months with the written concurrence of the Chair and the
Ranking Minority Member or the concurrence of the Chair and the
ranking minority member of the subcommittee whose Chair
appointed the task force.
(3) No task force shall have legislative jurisdiction.
RULE 6. REFERENCE AND CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION
(a) The Chair shall refer legislation and other matters to
the appropriate subcommittee or to the full Committee.
(b) Legislation shall be taken up for a hearing or markup
only when called by the Chair or the Chair of a subcommittee,
as appropriate, or by a majority of the Committee or
subcommittee, as appropriate.
(c) The Chair, with approval of a majority vote of a quorum
of the Committee, shall have authority to discharge a
subcommittee from consideration of any measure or matter
referred thereto and have such measure or matter considered by
the Committee.
(d) Reports and recommendations of a subcommittee may not
be considered by the Committee until after the intervention of
three calendar days from the time the report is approved by the
subcommittee and available to the members of the Committee,
except that this rule may be waived by a majority vote of a
quorum of the Committee.
(e) The Chair, in consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member, shall establish criteria for recommending legislation
and other matters to be considered by the House of
Representatives, pursuant to clause 1 of rule XV of the Rules
of the House of Representatives. Such criteria shall not
conflict with the Rules of the House of Representatives and
other applicable rules.
RULE 7. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
(a) Pursuant to clause 2(g)(3) of rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the Chair, or the Chair of any
subcommittee, panel, or task force, shall make a public
announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of any
hearing or meeting for the transaction of business before that
body at least one week before the commencement of a hearing and
at least three calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or
legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a
day) before the commencement of a meeting. However, if the
Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, or
the Chair of any subcommittee, panel, or task force, with the
concurrence of the respective ranking minority member,
determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing or
meeting sooner, or if the Committee, subcommittee, panel, or
task force so determines by majority vote, a quorum being
present for the transaction of business, such Chair shall make
the announcement at the earliest possible date. Any
announcement made under this rule shall be promptly published
in the Daily Digest, and promptly made publicly available in
electronic form.
(b) At least 24 hours prior to the commencement of a
meeting for the markup of legislation, or at the time of an
announcement under paragraph (a) made within 24 hours before
such meeting, the Chair, or the Chair of any subcommittee,
panel, or task force shall cause the text of such measure or
matter to be made publicly available in electronic form as
provided in clause 2(g)(4) of rule XI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives.
RULE 8. BROADCASTING OF COMMITTEE HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
(a) Pursuant to clause 2(e)(5) of rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the Committee shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, provide audio and video coverage of
each hearing or meeting for the transaction of business in a
manner that allows the public to easily listen to and view the
proceedings. The Committee shall maintain the recordings of
such coverage in a manner that is easily accessible to the
public.
(b) Clause 4 of rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives shall apply to the Committee.
RULE 9. MEETINGS AND HEARINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(a) Each hearing and meeting for the transaction of
business, including the markup of legislation, conducted by the
Committee, or any subcommittee, panel, or task force, to the
extent that the respective body is authorized to conduct
markups, shall be open to the public except when the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force in open session and with a
majority being present, determines by record vote that all or
part of the remainder of that hearing or meeting on that day
shall be in executive session because disclosure of testimony,
evidence, or other matters to be considered would endanger the
national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement
information, or would violate any law or rule of the House of
Representatives. Notwithstanding the requirements of the
preceding sentence, a majority of those present, there being in
attendance no fewer than two members of the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force may vote to close a hearing
or meeting for the sole purpose of discussing whether testimony
or evidence to be received would endanger the national
security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement
information, or would violate any law or rule of the House of
Representatives. If the decision is to proceed in executive
session, the vote must be by record vote and in open session, a
majority of the Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task force
being present.
(b) Whenever it is asserted by a member of the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force that the evidence or
testimony at a hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or
incriminate any person, or it is asserted by a witness that the
evidence or testimony that the witness would give at a hearing
may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate the witness,
notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) and the
provisions of clause 2(g)(2)(A) of rule XI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and in accordance with the provisions
of clause 2(g)(2)(B) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, such evidence or testimony shall be presented
in executive session, if by a majority vote of those present,
there being in attendance no fewer than two members of the
Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task force, the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force determines that such
evidence may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any
person. A majority of those present, there being in attendance
no fewer than two members of the Committee, subcommittee,
panel, or task force may also vote to close the hearing or
meeting for the sole purpose of discussing whether evidence or
testimony to be received would tend to defame, degrade, or
incriminate any person. The Committee, subcommittee, panel, or
task force shall proceed to receive such testimony in open
session only if the Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task
force, a majority being present, determines that such evidence
or testimony will not tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate
any person.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, and with the approval of
the Chair, each member of the Committee may designate by letter
to the Chair, one member of that member's personal staff, and
an alternate, which may include fellows, with Top Secret
security clearance to attend hearings of the Committee, or that
member's subcommittee(s), panel(s), or task force(s) (excluding
briefings or meetings held under the provisions of committee
rule 9(a)), which have been closed under the provisions of rule
9(a) above for national security purposes for the taking of
testimony. The attendance of such a staff member or fellow at
such hearings is subject to the approval of the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force as dictated by national
security requirements at that time. The attainment of any
required security clearances is the responsibility of
individual members of the Committee.
(d) Pursuant to clause 2(g)(2) of rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, no Member, Delegate, or Resident
Commissioner may be excluded from nonparticipatory attendance
at any hearing of the Committee or a subcommittee, unless the
House of Representatives shall by majority vote authorize the
Committee or subcommittee, for purposes of a particular series
of hearings on a particular article of legislation or on a
particular subject of investigation, to close its hearings to
Members, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner by the same
procedures designated in this rule for closing hearings to the
public.
(e) The Committee or the subcommittee may vote, by the same
procedure, to meet in executive session for up to five
additional consecutive days of hearings.
RULE 10. QUORUM
(a) For purposes of taking testimony and receiving
evidence, two members shall constitute a quorum.
(b) One-third of the members of the Committee or
subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for taking any action,
with the following exceptions, in which case a majority of the
Committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum:
(1) Reporting a measure or recommendation;
(2) Closing Committee or subcommittee meetings and
hearings to the public;
(3) Authorizing the issuance of subpoenas;
(4) Authorizing the use of executive session
material; and
(5) Voting to proceed in open session after voting to
close to discuss whether evidence or testimony to be
received would tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate
any person.
(c) No measure or recommendation shall be reported to the
House of Representatives unless a majority of the Committee is
actually present.
RULE 11. THE FIVE MINUTE RULE
(a) Subject to rule 15, the time any one member may address
the Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task force on any
measure or matter under consideration shall not exceed five
minutes and then only when the member has been recognized by
the Chair or subcommittee Chair, as appropriate, except that
this time limit may be exceeded by unanimous consent. Any
member, upon request, shall be recognized for not more than
five minutes to address the Committee or subcommittee on behalf
of an amendment which the member has offered to any pending
bill or resolution. The five-minute limitation shall not apply
to the Chair and the Ranking Minority Member or the Chair and
the ranking minority member of a subcommittee, panel, or task
force.
(b)(1) Members who are present at a hearing of the
Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task force when a hearing is
originally convened shall be recognized by the Chair or
subcommittee, panel, or task force Chair, as appropriate, in
order of seniority. Those members arriving subsequently shall
be recognized in order of their arrival. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Chair and the Ranking Minority Member or the
Chair and the ranking minority member of a subcommittee, panel,
or task force, as appropriate, will take precedence upon their
arrival. In recognizing members to question witnesses in this
fashion, the Chair shall take into consideration the ratio of
the majority to minority members present and shall establish
the order of recognition for questioning in such a manner as
not to disadvantage the members of either party.
(2) Pursuant to rule 4 and subject to rule 15, a
member of the Committee who is not a member of a
subcommittee, panel, or task force may be recognized by
a subcommittee, panel, or task force Chair in order of
their arrival and after all present subcommittee,
panel, or task force members have been recognized.
(3) The Chair of the Committee or the Chair of a
subcommittee, panel, or task force, with the
concurrence of the respective ranking minority member,
may depart with the regular order for questioning which
is specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this rule
provided that such a decision is announced prior to the
hearing or prior to the opening statements of the
witnesses and that any such departure applies equally
to the majority and the minority.
(c) No person other than a Member, Delegate, or Resident
Commissioner of Congress and committee staff may be seated in
or behind the dais area during Committee, subcommittee, panel,
or task force hearings and meetings.
RULE 12. POWER TO SIT AND ACT; SUBPOENA POWER
(a) For the purpose of carrying out any of its functions
and duties under rules X and XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the Committee and any subcommittee is
authorized (subject to subparagraph (b)(1) of this paragraph):
(1) to sit and act at such times and places within
the United States, whether the House is in session, has
recessed, or has adjourned, and to hold hearings, and
(2) to require by subpoena, or otherwise, the
attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the
production of such books, records, correspondence,
memorandums, papers and documents, including, but not
limited to, those in electronic form, as it considers
necessary.
(b)(1) A subpoena may be authorized and issued by the
Committee, or any subcommittee with the concurrence of the
Chair and after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member,
under subparagraph (a)(2) in the conduct of any investigation,
or series of investigations or activities, only when authorized
by a majority of the members voting, a majority of the
Committee or subcommittee being present. Authorized subpoenas
shall be signed only by the Chair, or by any member designated
by the Committee.
(2) Pursuant to clause 2(m) of rule XI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, compliance with any subpoena issued
by the Committee or any subcommittee under subparagraph (a)(2)
may be enforced only as authorized or directed by the House of
Representatives.
RULE 13. WITNESS STATEMENTS
(a) Any prepared statement to be presented by a witness to
the Committee or a subcommittee, panel, or task force shall be
submitted to the Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task force
at least 48 hours in advance of presentation and shall be
distributed to all members of the Committee, subcommittee,
panel, or task force as soon as practicable but not less than
24 hours in advance of presentation. A copy of any such
prepared statement shall also be submitted to the Committee in
electronic form. If a prepared statement contains national
security information bearing a classification of Confidential
or higher, the statement shall be made available in the
Committee rooms to all members of the Committee, subcommittee,
panel, or task force as soon as practicable but not less than
24 hours in advance of presentation; however, no such statement
shall be removed from the Committee offices. The requirement of
this rule may be waived by a majority vote of the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force, a quorum being present. In
cases where a witness does not submit a statement by the time
required under this rule, the Chair, with the concurrence of
the Ranking Minority Member, or the Chair of a subcommittee,
panel, or task force, as appropriate, with the concurrence of
the respective ranking minority member, may elect to exclude
the witness from the hearing.
(b) The Committee and each subcommittee, panel, or task
force shall require each witness who is to appear before it to
file with the Committee in advance of his or her appearance a
written statement of the proposed testimony and to limit the
oral presentation at such appearance to a brief summary of the
submitted written statement.
(c) Pursuant to clause 2(g)(5) of rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, written witness statements, with
appropriate redactions to protect the privacy of the witness,
shall be made publicly available in electronic form 24 hours
before the witness appears to the extent practicable, but not
later than one day after the witness appears.
RULE 14. ADMINISTERING OATHS TO WITNESSES
(a) The Chair, or any member designated by the Chair, may
administer oaths to any witness.
(b) Witnesses, when sworn, shall subscribe to the following
oath:
``Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that the
testimony you will give before this Committee (or
subcommittee, panel, or task force) in the matters now
under consideration will be the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth, so help you God?''
RULE 15. QUESTIONING OF WITNESSES
(a) When a witness is before the Committee or a
subcommittee, panel, or task force, members of the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force may put questions to the
witness only when recognized by the Chair, subcommittee, panel,
or task force Chair, as appropriate, for that purpose according
to rule 11 of the Committee.
(b) Members of the Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task
force who so desire shall have not more than five minutes to
question each witness or panel of witnesses, the responses of
the witness or witnesses being included in the five-minute
period, until such time as each member has had an opportunity
to question each witness or panel of witnesses. Thereafter,
additional rounds for questioning witnesses by members are
within the discretion of the Chair or the subcommittee, panel,
or task force Chair, as appropriate.
(c) Questions put to witnesses before the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force shall be pertinent to the
measure or matter that may be before the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force for consideration.
RULE 16. PUBLICATION OF COMMITTEE HEARINGS AND MARKUPS
The transcripts of those hearings conducted by the
Committee, subcommittee, panel, or task force will be published
officially in substantially verbatim form, with the material
requested for the record inserted at that place requested, or
at the end of the record, as appropriate. The transcripts of
markups conducted by the Committee or any subcommittee may be
published officially in verbatim form. Any requests to correct
any errors, other than those in transcription, will be appended
to the record, and the appropriate place where the change is
requested will be footnoted. Any transcript published under
this rule shall include the results of record votes conducted
in the session covered by the transcript and shall also include
materials that have been submitted for the record and are
covered under rule 19. The handling and safekeeping of these
materials shall fully satisfy the requirements of rule 20. No
transcript of an executive session conducted under rule 9 shall
be published under this rule.
RULE 17. VOTING AND ROLLCALLS
(a) Voting on a measure or matter may be by record vote,
division vote, voice vote, or unanimous consent.
(b) A record vote shall be ordered upon the request of one-
fifth of those members present.
(c) No vote by any member of the Committee or a
subcommittee with respect to any measure or matter shall be
cast by proxy.
(d) In the event of a vote or votes, when a member is in
attendance at any other committee, subcommittee, or conference
committee meeting during that time, the necessary absence of
that member shall be so noted in the record vote record, upon
timely notification to the Chair by that member.
(e) The Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority
Member, or the Chair of a subcommittee, as appropriate, with
the concurrence of the respective ranking minority member or
the most senior minority member who is present at the time, may
elect to postpone requested record votes until such time or
point at a markup as is mutually decided. When proceedings
resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening
order for the previous question, the underlying proposition
shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same
extent as when the question was postponed.
RULE 18. COMMITTEE REPORTS
(a) If, at the time of approval of any measure or matter by
the Committee, any member of the Committee gives timely notice
of intention to file supplemental, minority, additional or
dissenting views, all members shall be entitled to not less
than two calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal
holidays except when the House is in session on such days) in
which to file such written and signed views (including in
electronic form) with the Staff Director of the Committee, or
the Staff Director's designee. All such views so filed by one
or more members of the Committee shall be included within, and
shall be a part of, the report filed by the Committee with
respect to that measure or matter.
(b) With respect to each record vote on a motion to report
any measure or matter, and on any amendment offered to the
measure or matter, the total number of votes cast for and
against, the names of those voting for and against, and a brief
description of the question, shall be included in the Committee
report on the measure or matter.
(c) Not later than 24 hours after the adoption of any
amendment or 48 hours after the disposition or withdrawal of
any other amendment to a measure or matter considered by the
Committee, the Chair shall cause the text of each such
amendment to be made publicly available in electronic form as
provided in clause 2(e)(6) of rule XI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives.
RULE 19. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF COMMITTEE ROLLCALLS
The result of each record vote in any meeting of the
Committee shall be made publicly available in electronic form
within 48 hours of such record vote pursuant to clause
2(e)(1)(B)(i) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives. Information so available shall include a
description of the amendment, motion, order, or other
proposition and the name of each member voting for and each
member voting against such amendment, motion, order, or
proposition and the names of those members present but not
voting.
RULE 20. PROTECTION OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND OTHER INFORMATION
(a) Except as provided in clause 2(g) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, all national security
information bearing a classification of Confidential or higher
which has been received by the Committee or a subcommittee
shall be deemed to have been received in executive session and
shall be given appropriate safekeeping.
(b) The Chair shall, with the approval of a majority of the
Committee, establish such procedures as in his judgment may be
necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any
national security information that is received which is
classified as Confidential or higher. Such procedures shall,
however, ensure access to this information by any member of the
Committee or any other Member, Delegate, or Resident
Commissioner of the House of Representatives, staff of the
Committee, or staff designated under rule 9(c) who have the
appropriate security clearances and the need to know, who has
requested the opportunity to review such material.
(c) The Chair shall, in consultation with the Ranking
Minority Member, establish such procedures as in his judgment
may be necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any
proprietary information that is received by the Committee,
subcommittee, panel, or task force. Such procedures shall be
consistent with the Rules of the House of Representatives and
applicable law.
RULE 21. COMMITTEE STAFFING
The staffing of the Committee, the standing subcommittees,
and any panel or task force designated by the Chair or the
chairs of the subcommittees shall be subject to the Rules of
the House of Representatives.
RULE 22. COMMITTEE RECORDS
The records of the Committee at the National Archives and
Records Administration shall be made available for public use
in accordance with rule VII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives. The Chair shall notify the Ranking Minority
Member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or clause
4(b) of rule VII, to withhold a record otherwise available, and
the matter shall be presented to the Committee for a
determination on the written request of any member of the
Committee.
RULE 23. HEARING PROCEDURES
Clause 2(k) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives shall apply to the Committee.
RULE 24. COMMITTEE ACTIVITY REPORTS
Not later than January 2nd of each odd-numbered year the
Committee shall submit to the House a report on its activities,
pursuant to clause 1(d) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
FULL COMMITTEE
Pursuant to H. Res. H. Res. 9, H. Res. 10, H. Res. 62, H.
Res. 63, H. Res. 384, H. Res. 1103, and H. Res. 1347, the
following Members have served on the Committee on Armed
Services in the 117th Congress:
ADAM SMITH, Washington, Chairman
MIKE ROGERS, Alabama JAMES R. LANGEVIN, Rhode Island
JOE WILSON, South Carolina RICK LARSEN, Washington
MICHAEL R. TURNER, Ohio JIM COOPER, Tennessee
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado JOE COURTNEY, Connecticut
ROBERT J. WITTMAN, Virginia JOHN GARAMENDI, California
VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri JACKIE SPEIER, California
AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia DONALD NORCROSS, New Jersey
MO BROOKS, Alabama RUBEN GALLEGO, Arizona
SAM GRAVES, Missouri SETH MOULTON, Massachusetts
ELISE M. STEFANIK, New York SALUD O. CARBAJAL, California
SCOTT DesJARLAIS, Tennessee ANTHONY G. BROWN, Maryland
TRENT KELLY, Mississippi RO KHANNA, California
MIKE GALLAGHER, Wisconsin WILLIAM R. KEATING, Massachusetts
MATT GAETZ, Florida FILEMON VELA, Texas2
DON BACON, Nebraska ANDY KIM, New Jersey
JIM BANKS, Indiana CHRISSY HOULAHAN, Pennsylvania
LIZ CHENEY, Wyoming JASON CROW, Colorado
JACK BERGMAN, Michigan ELISSA SLOTKIN, Michigan
MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey
MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana VERONICA ESCOBAR, Texas
MARK GREEN, Tennessee JARED GOLDEN, Maine
STEPHANIE BICE, Oklahoma ELAINE G. LURIA, Virginia, Vice
C. SCOTT FRANKLIN, Florida Chair
LISA MCLAIN, Michigan JOSEPH MORELLE, New
RONNY JACKSON, Texas York4
JERRY CARL, Alabama SARA JACOBS, California
BLAKE MOORE, Utah KAIALI'I KAHELE, Hawaii
PAT FALLON, Texas MARILYN STRICKLAND, Washington
PATRICK RYAN, New York5
MARC VEASEY, Texas
JIMMY PANETTA, California
STEPHANIE MURPHY, Florida
STEVEN HORSFORD,
Nevada1
SYLVIA R. GARCIA,
Texas3
----------
1Mr. Horsford was elected to the committee on May 12, 2021.
2Mr. Vela resigned from the committee on Mar. 31, 2022.
3Ms. Garcia was elected to the committee on May 11, 2022.
4Mr. Morelle resigned from the committee on Sept. 14, 2022.
5Mr. Ryan was elected to the committee on Sept. 14, 2022.
SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4--Army programs
and accounts related to aircraft, ground equipment, missiles,
ammunition, and other procurement; Marine Corps programs and
accounts related to ground and amphibious equipment, fighter
aircraft, helicopters, air-launched weapons, and ammunition;
Air Force programs and accounts related to fighter, training,
reconnaissance and surveillance, and electronic warfare
aircraft, helicopters, air-launched weapons, ground equipment,
and ammunition; Navy programs and accounts related to fighter,
training, and electronic warfare aircraft, helicopters, and
air-launched weapons; tactical air and missile defense programs
and accounts; chemical agent and munition destruction programs
and accounts; and National Guard and Reserve equipment programs
and accounts.
DONALD NORCROSS, New Jersey,
Chairman
VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri RUBEN GALLEGO, Arizona
MIKE TURNER, Ohio SALUD CARBAJAL, California
ROB WITTMAN, Virginia ANTHONY BROWN, Maryland
SCOTT DESJARLAIS, Tennessee MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey, Vice
MATT GAETZ, Florida Chair
DON BACON, Nebraska KAIALI'I KAHELE, Hawaii
MARK GREEN, Tennessee MARC VEASEY, Texas
RONNY JACKSON, Texas STEPHANIE MURPHY, Florida
STEVEN HORSFORD, Texas1
----------
1Mr. Horsford was assigned to the Subcommittee on Tactical
Air and Land Forces on May 12, 2021.
Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4-- Department of
Defense policy and programs and accounts related to military
personnel and their families, Reserve Component integration and
employment, military health care, military education, dependent
schools, POW/MIA issues, Morale, Welfare and Recreation,
commissaries, cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Defense, the Uniform Code of Military Justice,
and military retirement issues.
JACKIE SPEIER, California,
Chairman
MIKE GALLAGHER, Wisconsin2ANDY KIM, New Jersey
JIM BANKS, Indiana1 CHRISSY HOULAHAN, Pennsylvania
STEPHANIE BICE, Oklahoma VERONICA ESCOBAR, Texas, Vice
LISA MCCLAIN, Michigan Chair
RONNY JACKSON, Texas SARA JACOBS, California
JERRY CARL, Alabama MARILYN STRICKLAND, Washington
PAT FALLON, Texas MARC VEASEY, Texas
----------
1Mr. Banks went from the Subcommittee on Military Personnel
to the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information
Systems on May 17, 2021.
2Mr. Gallagher was named to the Subcommittee on Military
Personnel and named ranking member on May 17, 2021.
Subcommittee on Readiness
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4--Department of
Defense policy and programs and accounts related to military
readiness, training, logistics and maintenance, military
construction, organic industrial base, the civilian and
contract workforce, environment, military installations and
real property management, family housing, base realignments and
closures, and energy.
JOHN GARAMENDI, California,
Chairman
MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida2 JOE COURTNEY, Connecticut
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado1 JACKIE SPEIER, California
JOE WILSON, South Carolina JASON CROW, Colorado
AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia ELISSA SLOTKIN, Michigan, Vice
JACK BERGMAN, Michigan Chair
MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana JARED GOLDEN, Maine
MARK GREEN, Tennessee ELAINE G. LURIA, Virginia
LISA MCCLAIN, Michigan KAIALI'l KAHELE, Hawaii
BLAKE MOORE, Utah MARILYN STRICKLAND, Washington
----------
1Mr. Lamborn went from the Subcommittee on Readiness to the
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations on Jan. 10, 2022.
2Mr. Waltz was named to the Subcommittee on Readiness and
named ranking member on Jan. 10, 2022.
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4-- Navy and Marine
Corps acquisition programs and accounts related to shipbuilding
and conversion, reconnaissance and surveillance, tanker, and
airlift aircraft, ship and submarine-launched weapons,
ammunition, and other procurements; Air Force programs and
accounts related to bomber, tanker, and airlift aircraft; Army
programs and accounts related to waterborne vessels; and
Maritime policy and programs and accounts under the
jurisdiction of the Committee as delineated in paragraphs 5 and
9 of clause 1(c) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
JOE COURTNEY, Connecticut,
Chairman
ROB WITTMAN, Virginia JIM LANGEVIN, Rhode Island
VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri JIM COOPER, Tennessee
SAM GRAVES, Missouri DONALD NORCROSS, New Jersey
TRENT KELLY, Mississippi ANTHONY BROWN, Maryland
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, Wisconsin FILEMON VELA, Texas1
JIM BANKS, Indiana JARED GOLDEN, Maine, Vice Chair
JACK BERGMAN, Michigan ELAINE LURIA, Virginia
JERRY CARL, Alabama SARA JACOBS, California
SYLVIA GARICA, Texas2
----------
1Mr. Vela resigned from the committee on Mar. 31, 2022.
2Ms. Garcia was assigned to the Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces on May 11, 2022.
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4--Department of
Defense and Department of Energy policy related to strategic
deterrence, strategic stability, nuclear weapons, strategic and
nuclear arms control, non-proliferation, nuclear safety,
missile defense, and space; Department of Defense programs and
accounts related to nuclear weapons, strategic missiles,
nuclear command and control systems, Department of Defense
intelligence space, space systems and services of the military
departments, and intermediate and long-range missile defense
systems; and Department of Energy national security programs
and accounts.
JIM COOPER, Tennessee, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado2 JIM LANGEVIN, Rhode Island
MIKE TURNER, Ohio JOHN GARAMENDI, California
JOE WILSON, South Carolina SETH MOULTON, Massachusetts
MO BROOKS, Alabama SALUD CARBAJAL, California, Vice
ELISE STEFANIK, New York Chair
SCOTT DESJARLAIS, Tennessee RO KHANNA, California
LIZ CHENEY, Wyoming PATRICK RYAN,
MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida California4
JOE MORELLE, New York3
JIMMY PANETTA, California
STEVEN HORSFORD,
Nevada1
----------
1Mr. Horsford was assigned to the Subcommittee on Strategic
Forces on May 12, 2021.
2Mr. Lamborn was named ranking member of the Subcommittee on
Strategic Forces on Jan. 10, 2022.
3Mr. Morelle resigned from the committee on Sept. 14, 2022.
4Mr. Ryan was assigned to the Subcommittee on Strategic
Forces on Sept. 14, 2022.
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4-- Department of
Defense policy and programs and accounts related to military
intelligence, national intelligence, countering weapons of mass
destruction, counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, other
sensitive military operations, and special operations forces.
RUBEN GALLEGO, Arizona, Chairman
TRENT KELLY, Mississippi, RICK LARSEN, Washington
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado2 JIM COOPER, Tennessee
AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts
SAM GRAVES, Missouri FILEMON VELA, Texas3
DON BACON, Nebraska MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey
LIZ CHENEY, Wyoming JIMMY PANETTA, California
MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida1 STEPHANIE MURPHY, Florida, Vice
C. SCOTT FRANKLIN, Florida Chair
SYLVIA R. GARCIA,
Texas4
----------
1Mr. Waltz went from the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations to the Subcommittee on Readiness on Jan. 10, 2022.
2Mr. Lamborn was named to the Subcommittee on Intelligence
and Special Operations on Jan. 10, 2022.
3Mr. Vela resigned from the committee on Mar. 31, 2022.
4Ms. Garcia was assigned to the subcommittee on Intelligence
and Special Operations on May 11, 2022.
Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems
Jurisdiction pursuant to Committee Rule 4--Department of
Defense policy related to the acquisition of computer software,
the electromagnetic spectrum, and electromagnetic warfare; and
Department of Defense policy and programs and accounts related
to artificial intelligence, cyber security, cyber operations,
cyber forces, information technology, information operations,
and science and technology (including defense-wide programs and
accounts related to research, development, testing, and
evaluation, except for those defense-wide programs and accounts
related to research, development, testing, and evaluation of
missile defense systems).
JAMES LANGEVIN, Rhode Island,
Chairman
JIM BANKS, Indiana2 RICK LARSEN, Washington
ELISE M. STEFANIK, New York SETH MOULTON, Massachusetts
MO BROOKS, Alabama RO KHANNA, California
MATT GAETZ, Florida WILLIAM R. KEATING, Massachusetts
MIKE GALLAGHER, Wisconsin1ANDY KIM, New Jersey
MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana CHRISSY HOULAHAN, Pennsylvania,
STEPHANIE BICE, Oklahoma Vice Chair
C. SCOTT FRANKLIN, Florida JASON CROW, Colorado
BLAKE MOORE, Utah ELISSA SLOTKIN, Michigan
PAT FALLON, Texas VERONICA ESCOBAR, Texas
JOSEPH MORELLE, New
York3
PATRICK RYAN, New York4
----------
1Mr. Gallagher went from the Subcommittee on Cyber,
Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems to the Subcommittee on
Military Personnel on May 17, 2021.
2Mr. Banks was named to the Subcommittee on Cyber,
Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems and named ranking
member on May 17, 2021.
3Mr. Morelle resigned from the committee on Sept. 14, 2022
4Mr. Ryan was assigned to the Subcommittee on Cyber,
Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems on Sept. 14, 2022.
COMMITTEE STAFF
By committee resolution adopted at the organizational
meeting on February 3, 2021, or by authority of the chairman,
the following persons have been appointed to the staff of the
committee during the 117th Congress:
Paul Arcangeli, Staff Director
(Resigned June 1, 2022)
Brian Garrett, Staff Director
Christopher Vieson, Minority Staff
Director
Douglas Bush, Deputy Staff
Director (Resigned March 5, 2021)
Katy Quinn, Deputy Staff Director
Betty B. Gray, Executive Assistant
Jesse D. Tolleson, Jr.,
Professional Staff Member
(Resigned March 5, 2021)
Rebecca A. Ross, Professional
Staff Member
Heath R. Bope, Professional Staff
Member
David Sienicki, Professional Staff
Member
Zach Steacy, Director, Legislative
Operations
Everett Coleman, Professional
Staff Member
Craig Greene, Professional Staff
Member
Phil MacNaughton, Professional
Staff Member
William S. Johnson, General
Counsel
Leonor Tomero, Counsel (Resigned
January 19, 2021)
Katie Thompson, Security Manager
David Giachetti, Professional
Staff Member
Mark Morehouse, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned February 1, 2021,
Appointed May 3, 2021)
Barron YoungSmith, Counsel/
Communications Director
Jason Schmid, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned January 28, 2021)
Danielle Steitz, Clerk (Resigned
August 28, 2021)
Shenita White, Office Manager
Glen Diehl, Professional Staff
Member
Maria Vastola, Professional Staff
Member
Kim Lehn, Professional Staff
Member, (Resigned April 5, 2021)
Jamie Jackson, Deputy General
Counsel (Resigned February 19,
2021)
Eric Snelgrove, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned February 1, 2021)
Caroline Kehrli, Clerk (Resigned
October 3, 2021)
Zachary Taylor, Clerk (Resigned
March 17, 2022)
William Sutey, Professional Staff
Member
Elizabeth Griffin, Professional
Staff Member
Mike Hermann, Budget Director
Carla Zeppieri, Professional Staff
Member
Sapna Sharma, Director of Member
Services and Senior Advisor to the
Chairman
Kelly Goggin, Professional Staff
Member
Melanie Harris, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned November 1, 2022)
William T. Johnson, Professional
Staff Member
Chidi Blyden, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned May 1, 2021)
Grant Schneider, Professional
Staff Member (Resigned December
17, 2021)
Joshua Stiefel, Professional Staff
Member
Jonathan Lord, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned July 8, 2022)
Jeanine Womble, Professional Staff
Member
Jessica Carroll, Professional
Staff Member (Resigned December
31, 2021)
Matt Rhoades, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned March 10, 2021)
Bess Dopkeen, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned November 26,
2021)
Sean Falvey, Clerk (Resigned
September 30, 2021)
Laura Rauch, Professional Staff
Member
Monica Matoush, Communications
Director (Resigned January 23,
2022)
Shannon Green, Professional Staff
Member
Caleb Randall-Bodman, Deputy
Communications Director (Resigned
October 1, 2022)
Alonzo Webb, Staff Assistant
Alexis Hasty, Clerk (Resigned
March 19, 2021)
Emma Morrison, Clerk (Resigned
September 30, 2021)
Troy Nienberg, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned June 12, 2022)
Sidney Faix, Clerk (Resigned
September 23, 2022)
Natalie De Benedetti, Clerk
(Resigned July 20, 2022)
James Vallario, Professional Staff
Member
Naajidah Khan, Clerk
Hannah Kaufman, Professional Staff
Member
Karen Thornton, Professional Staff
Member
Jeff Bozman, Professional Staff
Member (Resigned November 25,
2022)
Geoff, Gosselin, Professional
Staff Member
Michael Kirlin, Professional Staff
Member
Sarah Moxley, Professional Staff
Member
Kyle Noyes, Professional Staff
Member
Whitney Verett, Professional Staff
Member
Forrest McConnell, Minority
General Counsel
Michaela Sundermann, Press
Secretary (Appointed January 6,
2021, Resigned April 16, 2021)
Ian Bennitt, Professional Staff
Member, (Appointed February 1,
2021)
Patrick Nevins, Professional Staff
Member (Appointed February 8,
2021)
Ilka Regino, Professional Staff
Member (Appointed February 16,
2021)
Ryan Tully, Professional Staff
Member (Appointed April 19, 2021)
Wendell Frank White, Jr,
Professional Staff Member
(Appointed April 19, 2021)
Robert Ikoku, Professional Staff
Member (Appointed April 22, 2021)
William Metzger, Budget Director
(Appointed April 26, 2021)
Chris Estep, Digital Director
(Appointed May 10, 2021, Resigned
October 14,2022)
Justine Sanders, Minority
Communications Director (Appointed
May 10, 2021)
Kelly Repair, Professional Staff
Member (Appointed July 2, 2021,
Resigned August 14, 2022)
David Tucker, Deputy General
Counsel (Appointed July 31, 2022)
William Braden, Clerk (Appointed
August 23, 2021)
Payson Ruhl, Clerk (Appointed
August 23, 2021)
Kathy Loden, Minority Research
Assistant (Appointed October 12,
2021, Resigned April 30, 2022)
Brooke Alred, Clerk (Appointed
December 6, 2021)
Owen McGeary, Clerk (Appointed
December 6, 2021)
Dana Gallagher, Press and Digital
Assistant (Appointed March 1,
2022)
Hayden Ehlich, Clerk (Appointed
May 23, 2022)
Zachary Calderon, Clerk (Appointed
May 23, 2022)
Everett Winnick, Professional
Staff Member (September 6, 2022)
Jaelin O'Hallaron, (Appointed
November 1, 2022)
COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND HEARINGS
A total of 231 meetings and hearings have been held by the
Committee on Armed Services and its subcommittees during the
117th Congress. A breakdown of the meetings and hearings
follows:
FULL COMMITTEE................................................... 17
SUBCOMMITTEES:
Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and
Information Systems........................................ 86
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.......... 84
Subcommittee on Military Personnel........................... 76
Subcommittee on Readiness.................................... 79
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces............... 81
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces............................. 82
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces................. 75
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
PUBLIC LAWS
Public Law 117-1 (H.R. 335)--To provide for an exception to a
limitation against appointment of persons as Secretary of Defense
within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned
officer of the Armed Forces
On January 15, 2021, Chairman Adam Smith introduced H.R.
335, a bill to provide for an exception to a limitation against
appointment of persons as Secretary of Defense within seven
years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned
officer of the Armed Forces. The bill was referred to the House
Committee on Armed Services.
On January 21, 2021, Representative James P. McGovern asked
for unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to
consider H.R. 335 in the House if called up by the chair of the
Committee on Armed Services or his designee. The request was
agreed to without objection. On January 21, 2021, H.R. 335
passed the House by the yeas and nays, 326-78 (Roll no. 18).
On January 21, 2021, H.R. 335 was received in the Senate,
read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without
amendment by a yea-nay vote, 69-27 (Record Vote Number: 4). On
January 21 2021, H.R. 335 was presented to the President and
signed into law as Public Law 117-1 on January 22, 2021.
Public Law 117-81 (S. 1605)--National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022
On May 13, 2021, Senator Rick Scott introduced, S. 1605, a
bill to designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912
South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, and for other
purposes. On June 9, 2021, S. 1605 passed the Senate without
amendment by unanimous consent and was held at the desk in the
House.
As noted under ``H.R. 4350--National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2022'', the Senate was unable to complete
Floor consideration of its version of the NDAA and therefore
was unable to initiate a formal conference with the House.
In order to ensure the enactment of an annual defense bill
by the end of the calendar year, the Chairman and Ranking
Member of the House Committee on Armed Services and the
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed
Services agreed to reconcile the provisions of H.R. 4350 and
Senate Amendment 3867. In lieu of a formal conference report
for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2022, the legislative vehicle used for the agreed upon
legislative text between the House and the Senate was an
amendment to S. 1605. On December 7, 2021, the negotiated
agreement was brought to the House Floor in the form of an
amendment to S. 1605. The House agreed to the amendment to S.
1605 by a vote of 363-70 (Roll no. 405). On December 15, 2021,
the Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1605 by a vote
of 88-11 (Record Vote Number: 499). The President signed the
legislation on December 27, 2021, and it became Public Law 117-
81.
Because the agreed-upon language was brought to the House
in the form of an amendment to S. 1605, there is no conference
report and no formal ``joint explanatory statement of the
conference committee'' for S. 1605. Instead, Chairman Adam
Smith submitted a ``Joint Explanatory Statement to Accompany S.
1605, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2022'' in the Congressional Record on December 7, 2021 (pages
H7265-H7464). The text of the enrolled bill text and the joint
explanatory statement can also be found in HASC Committee Print
No. 2.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
does the following: (1) authorizes appropriations for fiscal
year 2022 for procurement and for research, development, test,
and evaluation (RDT&E); (2) authorizes appropriations for
fiscal year 2022 for operation and maintenance (O&M) and for
working capital funds; (3) authorizes for fiscal year 2022 the
personnel strength for each Active Duty component of the
military departments, and the personnel strength for the
Selected Reserve for each Reserve Component of the Armed
Forces; (4) modifies various elements of compensation for
military personnel and imposed certain requirements and
limitations on personnel actions in the defense establishment;
(5) authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for military
construction and family housing; (6) authorizes appropriations
for fiscal year 2022 for the Department of Energy national
security programs; and (7) authorize appropriations for fiscal
year 2022 for the Maritime Administration.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
is a key mechanism through which Congress fulfills one of its
primary responsibilities as mandated in Article I, Section 8,
of the Constitution of the United States, which grants Congress
the power to provide for the common defense, to raise and
support an Army, to provide and maintain a Navy, and to make
rules for the Government and regulation of the land and naval
forces. Rule X of the House of Representatives provides the
Committee on Armed Services with jurisdiction over the
Department of Defense generally and over the military
application of nuclear energy. The bill includes the large
majority of the findings and recommendations resulting from its
oversight activities, conducted through hearings, briefings,
and roundtable discussions with Department of Defense and
Department of Energy civilian and military officials,
intelligence analysts, outside experts, and industry
representatives, and informed by the experience gained over the
previous decades of the committee's existence.
LEGISLATION PASSED BY CONGRESS
H.R. 7776--James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023
On May 16, 2022, Representative Peter A. DeFazio introduced
H.R. 7776, the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. On May
18, 2022, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
order the bill reported by voice vote, as amended. On June 8,
2022, the House passed the bill, as amended, by the yeas and
nays, 384-37 (Roll no. 253). On July 28, the Senate passed H.R.
7776, with an amendment by a yea-nay vote, 93-1. On July 28,
2022, the Senate amendment to H.R. 7776 was received in the
House and held at the desk.
As noted under ``H.R. 7900--National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023'', the Senate was unable to complete
Floor consideration of its version of the NDAA and therefore
was unable to initiate a formal conference with the House.
In order to ensure the enactment of an annual defense bill
by the end of the calendar year, the Chairman and Ranking
Member of the House Committee on Armed Services and the
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed
Services agreed to reconcile the provisions of H.R. 7900 and
Senate amendment 5499, as modified. In lieu of a formal
conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023, the legislative vehicle used for the
agreed upon legislative text between the House and the Senate
was a House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 7776. On
December 8, 2022, pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1512,
the House agreed to the negotiated agreement in the form of a
House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 7776, by the
yeas and nays, 350-80 (Roll no. 516). On December 15, 2022, the
Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to
H.R. 7776 by a vote of 83-11.
Because the agreed-upon language was brought to the House
in the form of a House amendment to the Senate amendment to
H.R. 7776, there is no conference report and no formal ``joint
explanatory statement of the conference committee'' for H.R.
7776. Instead, Chairman Adam Smith submitted a ``Joint
Explanatory Statement to Accompany H.R. 7776, the James M.
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2023'' in the Congressional Record on December 8, 2022 (pages
H9425-H9648).
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 does the following: (1) authorizes
appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for procurement and for
research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E); (2)
authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for operation
and maintenance (O&M) and for working capital funds; (3)
authorizes for fiscal year 2022 the personnel strength for each
Active Duty component of the military departments, and the
personnel strength for the Selected Reserve for each Reserve
Component of the Armed Forces; (4) modifies various elements of
compensation for military personnel and imposed certain
requirements and limitations on personnel actions in the
defense establishment; (5) authorizes appropriations for fiscal
year 2023 for military construction and family housing; (6)
authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for the
Department of Energy national security programs; and (7)
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for the Maritime
Administration.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 is a key mechanism through which Congress
fulfills one of its primary responsibilities as mandated in
Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States,
which grants Congress the power to provide for the common
defense, to raise and support an Army, to provide and maintain
a Navy, and to make rules for the Government and regulation of
the land and naval forces. Rule X of the House of
Representatives provides the Committee on Armed Services with
jurisdiction over the Department of Defense generally and over
the military application of nuclear energy. The bill includes
the large majority of the findings and recommendations
resulting from its oversight activities, conducted through
hearings, briefings, and roundtable discussions with Department
of Defense and Department of Energy civilian and military
officials, intelligence analysts, outside experts, and industry
representatives, and informed by the experience gained over the
previous decades of the committee's existence.
LEGISLATION PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R. 4350--National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022
On July 2, 2021, H.R. 4350, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, was introduced by
Chairman Adam Smith and referred to the Committee on Armed
Services. On September 1, 2021, the Committee on Armed Services
held a markup session to consider H.R. 4350. The committee
ordered the bill H.R. 4350, as amended, favorably reported to
the House of Representatives by a recorded vote of 57-2, a
quorum being present. The bill passed the House, as amended, on
September 23, 2021, by the yeas and nays, 316-113 (Roll no.
293). On October 18, 2021, the bill was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders Calendar No. 144.
On November 15, 2021, the Senate began consideration of
H.R. 4350. On November 19, 2021, Senator Jack Reed proposed
Senate amendment 3867 to H.R. 4350. Senate amendment 3867 was
in the form of an amendment in the nature of a substitute to
H.R. 4350 and consisted of the text of S. 2792, the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 as reported by
the Senate Committee on Armed Services on September 22, 2021,
as well as a number of amendments submitted during the Senate's
consideration of its bill that were cleared by both sides. The
Senate began consideration of Senate amendment 3867 on November
29, 2021, but did not complete consideration and therefore was
unable to initiate a formal conference with the House.
For further action on the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2022, see Public Law 117-81 (S. 1605).
H.R. 7900--National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023
On May 27, 2022, H.R. 7900, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, was introduced by
Chairman Adam Smith and referred to the Committee on Armed
Services. On June 23, 2022, the Committee on Armed Services
held a markup session to consider H.R. 7900. The committee
ordered the bill H.R. 7900, as amended, favorably reported to
the House of Representatives by a recorded vote of 57-1, a
quorum being present. The bill passed the House, as amended, on
July 14, 2022, by the yeas and nays, 329-101 (Roll no. 350). On
July 28, 2022, the bill was received in the Senate, and on
August 3rd, it was read twice, and placed on Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders Calendar No. 467.
On October 11, 2022, H.R. 7900 was laid before the Senate
by unanimous consent. Senator Jack Reed proposed Senate
amendment 5499, as modified, to H.R. 7900. Senate amendment
5499, as modified, was in the form of an amendment in the
nature of a substitute to H.R. 7900 and consisted of the text
of S. 4543, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 as reported by the Senate Committee on
Armed Services on July 18, 2022, as well as a number of
amendments that were submitted and intended to be proposed for
consideration during the Senate's consideration of its bill
that were cleared by both sides. The Senate began consideration
of Senate amendment 5499, as modified, on October 11, 2022, but
did not complete consideration and therefore was unable to
initiate a formal conference with the House.
For further action on the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023, see H.R. 7776.
LEGISLATION REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
H. Res. 1475--Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the
Secretary of Defense to transmit to the House of Representatives any
record created on or after January 21, 2021, under the control of the
President or the Secretary, respectively, that refers to the Department
of Defense and includes certain terms and phrases relating to gender
On November 16, 2022, Representative Andrew S. Clyde
introduced H. Res. 1475, a resolution of inquiry requesting the
President and directing the Secretary of Defense to transmit to
the House of Representatives any record created on or after
January 21, 2021, under the control of the President or the
Secretary, respectively, that refers to the Department of
Defense and includes certain terms and phrases relating to
gender.
Clause 7 of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives provides for a committee to report on a
qualifying resolution of inquiry, such as H. Res. 1475, within
14 legislative days or a privileged motion to discharge the
committee is in order. H. Res. 1475 was referred to the
Committee on Armed Services on November 16, 2022.
On December 13, 2022, the committee met in open session and
ordered the resolution, H. Res. 1475, unfavorably reported to
the House with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, by a
roll call vote of 30 to 26, a quorum being present. On December
16, 2022, H. Res. 1475 was placed on the House Calendar,
Calendar No. 167. No further action has been taken.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
OVERVIEW
Pursuant to clause 1(d) of rule XI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, described below are actions taken and
recommendations made with respect to specific areas and
subjects that were identified in the oversight plan for special
attention during the 117th Congress, as well as additional
oversight activities not explicitly enumerated by the oversight
plan.
POLICY ISSUES
National Defense Strategy, National Military Strategy, and Related
Defense Policy Issues
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued to focus
on the readiness, capability, and capacity of the U.S. Armed
Forces, support for military operations, and the Department of
Defense. The committee fulfilled its constitutional
responsibilities primarily by legislating the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) and
the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023.
The committee oversaw Department of Defense efforts to
implement the National Defense Strategy and the National
Military Strategy during the 117th Congress. In doing so, the
committee examined aspects of the strategic framework,
including: strategic objectives; relevant departmental
policies, initiatives, and doctrines; force structures; joint
operational concepts; various organizational matters; roles and
missions; training and exercises; education; investments; the
research and development of new technologies; modernization
efforts; logistics; facilities and supporting infrastructure;
and industrial base matters; and the committee provided the
resources necessary to support strategic requirements.
The committee also continued to oversee: military
operations; deterrence activities; and Department of Defense
investments in capabilities, and infrastructure to address
extant and emergent challenges. The committee informed its
legislative efforts and conducted oversight through: hearings
and briefings; engagements with defense leaders and military
commanders; and congressional delegation visits.
Deterrence
During the 117th Congress, the committee conducted
oversight of U.S. efforts to structure defense posture and
policy to effectively deter actors posing strategic challenges
to the United States, its allies, and partners, including
efforts to assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russia's
unprovoked aggression. These efforts included the ability of
the United States, in concert with allies and partners, to
deter adversaries militarily and strengthen capabilities to
defend against potential aggression, as well as to counter
efforts to weaken our shared values, undermine our systems of
government, threaten international norms, and disrupt the
cohesion of our alliances and partnerships. To that end, the
committee conducted oversight, gathered information, and
legislated on issues critical to deterrence such as U.S.
defense capabilities, resources, and posture; implementation of
the National Defense Strategy; competition for influence and
hybrid warfare; security cooperation and assistance to partners
and allies; revitalization and replenishment of defense
articles and munitions; and adaptation in an extremely dynamic
national security environment.
In particular, the committee's activities in the 117th
Congress recognized the essential role that U.S. alliances and
partnerships play in maintaining global security and advancing
U.S. national security objectives. For that reason, in the
course of its legislative and oversight activities, the
committee pursued efforts to strengthen U.S. alliances and
partnerships in order to respond to substantial challenges
against collective and global security, aiming to build on
major policy developments among U.S. allies and partners to
further enhance deterrence and maintain unity against
adversarial challenges.
Russia
Russia's unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine poses a
profoundly destabilizing challenge to global security and the
rules-based international order, representing the largest
military conflict on the European continent since World War II.
Assisting Ukraine in defending itself against Russian
aggression, enhancing European unity and strengthening the
ability of NATO to deter against aggression on allied
territory, responding to the changed security environment and
the implications for the security of non-NATO U.S. partners,
calibrating policy responses to Russia's invasion in order to
maintain allied unity and enhance deterrence, overseeing
efforts regarding global responses to the further invasion, and
revitalizing and replenishing U.S., ally, and partner stocks of
equipment following ongoing assistance to Ukraine were major
areas of concern for the committee in the 117th Congress. In
addition, the committee continued to oversee policies regarding
Russia's aggressive global influence campaign, evident in
Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, but with far-
reaching impacts worldwide, along with Russian military
activity and its employment of unconventional and conventional
tactics, including efforts to disrupt the NATO, increased naval
activity, nuclear threats, and malign efforts in locations as
disparate as Africa, Central America, and the Arctic. The
committee's oversight has concentrated on the U.S. military
capabilities, capacity, posture, and readiness needed to
effectively maintain U.S. alliances and to counter and deter
Russia.
The committee maintained oversight of Department resources
and tools allocated to ensure that U.S. force posture in Europe
is appropriately adapting to the changing security environment,
and oversaw the substantial increase in security assistance to
Ukraine and other NATO allies and partners to deter and defend
against Russian aggression. The European Deterrence Initiative
(EDI), and the resources associated with it, was also a
significant area of oversight for the committee. The committee
sought to ensure that the initiative was appropriately
resourced and implemented given the changed security
environment and the transfer of EDI from Overseas Contingency
Operations (OCO) to the base budget while overseeing the
implementation of substantial steps to strengthen transparency,
planning, and congressional oversight of the initiative.
During the 117th Congress, the committee conducted frequent
intelligence and policy briefings overseeing U.S. policy
related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, its military programs
and activities, its naval activity, its engagement in locations
such as Africa, Central America, and the Arctic, and its global
influence operations, including those aimed at disrupting
elections, democratic institutions, and military partnerships
and alliances. On April 15, 2021, the committee conducted a
hearing titled ``National Security Challenges and U.S. Military
Activities in Europe'' to inform the committee regarding the
fiscal year 2022 budget request as it relates to the European
theater. On October 20, 2021, the committee hosted a briefing
titled ``Roundtable: Discussion with the U.K. House of Commons
Defence Committee.'' On January 19, 2022, the committee
received a briefing titled ``Classified Briefing on Ukraine and
Russia.'' On February 15, 2022, the committee received a
briefing on ``Deterrence in Europe and the Ukraine Crisis.'' On
March 2, 2022, the committee received a briefing titled
``Defense Department Briefing on Ukraine and Russia.'' On March
17, 2022, the committee received a briefing titled ``Defense
Department Briefing on Ukraine and Russia.'' On March 30, 2022,
the committee conducted a hearing titled ``National Security
Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in Europe'' to inform
the committee regarding the fiscal year 2023 budget request as
it relates to the European theater. On April 25, 2022 the
committee hosted a briefing for member office staff titled
``HASC MLA Briefing: Defense Department Briefing on Ukraine and
Russia.'' On May 18, 2022, the committee received a briefing
titled ``Defense Department Briefing on Ukraine and Russia.''
On July 28, the committee received a briefing titled ``Defense
Department Briefing on Ukraine and Russia.'' On September 15,
the committee received a briefing titled ``Defense Department
Briefing on Ukraine and Russia.'' On September 22, the
committee conducted a virtual briefing titled ``Conversation
With the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the Ukrainian Office
of the President.'' On September 29, 2022, the committee
received a briefing on ``Department of Defense Role in Election
Security'' including Russian influence efforts related to U.S.
elections. On November 30, 2022, the committee received a
briefing titled ``Defense Department Briefing on Ukraine and
Russia.'' Members of the committee received extensive
additional updates and conducted additional oversight in
various formats. Members and staff also conducted extensive
oversight of the U.S. response to the invasion within the
Department of Defense and traveled to the U.S. European Command
area of operations on multiple occasions to review and assess
operations and activities, including those related to Russia.
These congressional and staff delegations were preceded by
operational and intelligence oversight briefings to members and
staff by senior officials from the Department of Defense, the
Department of State, and the intelligence community.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) contained several provisions to bolster the
deterrence and defense capabilities of the United States and
strengthen collective deterrence with allies and partners in
Europe, to include fully funding the EDI request at $3.43
billion and authorizing an additional $569.8 million in funds
for activities and capabilities supporting European deterrence,
as well as $300.0 million for security assistance, equipment,
and training to Ukrainian forces under the Ukraine Security
Assistance Initiative (USAI). Further, Public Law 117-81
expressed the sense of Congress in strong support of U.S.
commitment to the NATO alliance and European partners and
strong opposition to Russian aggression against the
independence and territorial integrity of sovereign countries,
along with continued commitment to and robust oversight of
investments in Europe. Public Law 117-81 also limited military
cooperation between the United States and Russia, prohibited
funds for activities recognizing the sovereignty of the Russian
Federation over Crimea, extended other security cooperation
authorities, and required biennial reporting on Russian
influence operations and campaigns targeting U.S. military
alliances and partnerships.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) contained several provisions to
strengthen deterrence measures, defense capabilities, and
enhance collective deterrence with U.S. partners and allies in
Europe, including fully funding the EDI request at $3.9 billion
and authorizing $2.1 billion in additional funds for activities
and capabilities supporting European deterrence. It authorized
$800.0 million for security assistance, equipment, and training
to Ukrainian forces under USAI; harmonized USAI statutory
authorities with changes made in the Ukraine Supplemental
appropriations acts; allowed for replenishment of stocks of
comparable ally and partner equipment provided to Ukraine; and
established a roadmap to build on comprehensive Ukraine
accountability and end-use monitoring strategies unveiled by
the executive branch and required a comprehensive assessment of
the oversight framework for U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Further, the FY23 NDAA expressed the sense of Congress in
strong support of NATO; supported ratification of Sweden's and
Finland's accession to NATO by all remaining NATO members; and
required strategies to adapt DOD posture to the new security
environment following the further invasion of Ukraine. The FY23
NDAA also limited military cooperation between the United
States and Russia for five years; expanded the prohibition on
funds for activities recognizing the sovereignty of the Russian
Federation over Crimea to include all territories
internationally recognized as sovereign territory of Ukraine;
required installation energy plans for all main operating bases
in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility; required
quarterly briefings on efforts to replenish and revitalize
U.S., ally, and partner equipment stocks; and included measures
to halt the trade in Russian gold, isolate Russian government
officials in international economic forums, condemn Russia's
detention of individuals for exercising fundamental freedoms of
speech, assembly, and belief, and deter and punish war crimes
in Ukraine.
The People's Republic of China
The People's Republic of China (PRC) continues its efforts
to assert influence, modernize its military, and take steps
that erode security norms, increasing the risk of conflict,
particularly in the South and East China Seas. The committee
continued to conduct oversight of the Department's response to
China's efforts to extend its military reach and invest in its
military forces. At the same time, the committee also continued
to conduct oversight of the Department's military posture,
force structure, and force readiness efforts, and its plans to
enhance capabilities, forward presence, posture, and training
and exercises to deter and counter acts of aggression and
protect vital U.S. and ally and partner interests.
During the 117th Congress, the committee held hearings and
received briefings on China's military strategy and
capabilities, as well as U.S. military posture, readiness, and
partnership initiatives to deter PRC aggression. On February
25, 2021, the committee received a briefing from the Office of
Net Assessment titled ``Future of Warfare.'' On March 10, 2021,
the committee held a hearing entitled ``National Security
Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in the Indo-Pacific.''
On May 18, 2021, the committee received a classified briefing
on the ``Futures Game 2022'' wargame conducted by the U.S. Air
Force and U.S. Space Force, which focused on a future conflict
in the Indo-Pacific region. On February 3, 2022, the committee
received a classified Taiwan update briefing from the
Department of Defense. On March 2, 2022, the committee received
a classified briefing from the Secretary of the Air Force to
provide the secretary's assessment of the threat posed by
China. On March 9, 2022, the committee held a hearing entitled
``National Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in
the Indo-Pacific Region.'' Members and staff traveled to the
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations on multiple
occasions to review and assess operations and activities,
including those related to China. These congressional and staff
delegations were preceded by operational and intelligence
oversight briefings to members and staff by senior officials
from the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and
the intelligence community.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) contained several provisions to bolster the
capacity and defense capabilities of the United States and
partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific. Public Law 117-81
contained multiple provisions to address the strategic
challenges posed by the government of the PRC, such as a
statement of congressional support for the defense of Taiwan
including the development of capable, ready, and modern defense
forces necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-
defense capability, and a requirement for the Department of
Defense to provide an annual report to Congress on military and
security developments involving the PRC, including the PRC's
influence operations and campaigns targeting U.S. military
alliances and partnerships. Further, Public Law 117-81
authorized robust funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative
(PDI) by providing $7.1 billion for programs in PDI, while
making prudent adjustments to funding levels on programs that
were being poorly executed.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) contained several provisions to
strengthen deterrence measures, defense capabilities, and
enhance collective deterrence with U.S. partners and allies in
the Indo-Pacific. The FY23 NDAA authorized $11.5 billion for
the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance the U.S.
deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region,
assure allies and partners of an enduring U.S. commitment to
the Indo-Pacific, and improve Congress's ability to conduct
oversight on U.S. military activities in the region. The PDI
included additional funding to support the commander of the
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's ``Seize the Initiative'' concept.
Further, the FY23 NDAA improved congressional oversight of
funding for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command by requiring a report
describing the support and sustainment for critical
capabilities necessary to meet operational requirements in a
conflict. Additionally, the FY23 NDAA required the Department
of Defense to establish a joint force headquarters in the Indo-
Pacific area of operations. The FY23 NDAA also expressed
continued congressional support for the U.S. defense
relationship with Taiwan, required additional measures to
improve readiness related to Taiwan, and supports the use of
joint military exercises with Taiwan.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to pose
a threat to the Korean Peninsula, the United States, and U.S.
forces, allies, and partners in East Asia. While North Korea
has not conducted a nuclear test since 2017, North Korea
advanced its ballistic missile program by conducting multiple
tests in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The committee continued to
oversee the Department of Defense's efforts to implement a
range of posture, force structure, and force readiness
initiatives; infrastructure and force realignments, including
U.S.-Republic of Korea Special Measures Agreements
consultations; and bilateral and multilateral training and
exercises.
During the 117th Congress, the committee received briefings
on the security threats posed by North Korea, as well as U.S.
military posture, readiness, and partnership initiatives to
deter such activities. On March 9, 2022, the committee held a
hearing entitled ``National Security Challenges and U.S.
Military Activities in the Indo-Pacific Region'' that
encompassed North Korea. Members and staff traveled to the U.S.
Indo-Pacific Command area of operations on multiple occasions
to review and assess operations and activities, including those
related to North Korea. These congressional and staff
delegations were preceded by operational and intelligence
oversight briefings to members and staff by senior officials
from the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and
the intelligence community.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) contained several provisions to strengthen
deterrence measures, partnerships and collective deterrence in
the Indo-Pacific region, including against threats posed by
North Korea. Public Law 117-81 expressed the sense of Congress
that the Secretary of Defense should reinforce the U.S.
alliance with South Korea and maintain the presence of
approximately 28,500 U.S. service members deployed to the
country.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) contained several provisions to
strengthen deterrence measures and enhance collective
deterrence with U.S. partners and allies in East Asia. Further,
the FY23 NDAA also expressed support in maintaining the number
of active duty U.S. forces in South Korea at approximately
28,500.
Iran
Iran continued to project malign influence throughout the
Middle East region by threatening freedom of navigation in
critical waterways, supporting terrorist organizations and
proxy militias, conducting illicit cyber operations, developing
and proliferating ballistic missiles, and threatening to resume
development of nuclear weapons following the United States's
withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran also began closer coordination and collaboration with
Russia to support Russia's further invasion of Ukraine,
including by providing weapons and training to the Russian
armed forces.
During the 117th Congress, the committee received briefings
on Iran's military capabilities and malign activities
throughout the region. The committee conducted oversight of the
Department's efforts to deter Iran's destabilizing activities
throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Additionally, the committee conducted oversight of U.S. Central
Command's force posture, readiness, and activities with respect
to Iran and other regional threats. On April 20, 2021, the
committee held a hearing and classified briefing entitled
``National Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in
the Greater Middle East and Africa.'' On March 17, 2022, the
committee held a hearing and classified briefing on the same
subject entitled ``National Security Challenges and U.S.
Military Activities in the Greater Middle East and Africa,''
both of which included testimony and information relating to
Iran's malign activities in the region. On March 29, 2022, the
committee received a classified briefing on the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) discussions, which was
followed up with a second briefing on the same subject on
September 14, 2022. Members and staff traveled to the Central
Command area of responsibility and discussed countering malign
Iranian activities in travel around the globe. These
congressional and staff delegations were preceded by
operational and intelligence oversight briefings to members and
staff by senior officials from the Department of Defense, the
Department of State, and the intelligence community. Finally,
the committee received numerous staff-level briefings on
Department of Defense programs and activities related to Iran.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
20202 (Public Law 117-81) contained provisions that required a
report on the military capabilities of Iran and related
activities and a requirement for a strategy for Syria that
included Iranian-aligned militias operating in Syria. The
William James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) contained a provision requiring
additional reporting on Operation Spartan Shield, a U.S.
Central Command operation that includes some Iran deterrence
activities. The FY23 NDAA also extended and modified a
requirement to report on the military capabilities of Iran and
mandated a public report on the military capabilities of China,
Russia, Iran, and North Korea. In the conference report
accompanying the FY23 NDAA, the conferees required reports
examining the assessed defensive capability and capacity in the
Persian Gulf against Iranian and non-state actor air and
missile threats, the status of efforts to improve air defense
capabilities, and recommendations on necessary improvements of
air defense capabilities to counter this threat and nuclear and
missile programs of Iran and North Korea. The conferees also
required a briefing on opportunities to collaborate with allies
and partners on air and missile defense in the Persian Gulf
region.
Alliances and Partnerships
Alliances and partnerships are essential to advance U.S.
national security objectives, promote global security, preserve
regional stability, deter adversaries, uphold and strengthen
shared values, and address common security challenges. The
committee conducted oversight of Department of Defense
activities related to enduring alliances, such as the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization, and other ongoing partnerships to
ensure that they are supported and utilized in a manner that
enhances these goals. The committee also continued to oversee
and, where appropriate, encourage the Department of Defense's
efforts to strengthen its partnerships and cooperative efforts
to ensure global stability and security. The committee
conducted numerous events and oversight activities to these
ends. On March 1, 2022, the committee held a hearing entitled
``Engagement with Allies and Partners''' to examine Department
of Defense and Department of State activities to engage with
allies and partners in pursuit of U.S. national security
objectives.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) contained multiple provisions to improve
the implementation and congressional oversight of Department of
Defense security cooperation, including requirements for the
Secretary of Defense to produce a security cooperation strategy
for each of the geographic combatant commands and to conduct a
study on lessons learned from the war in Afghanistan that can
be applied to other security cooperation programs, and for the
Comptroller General of the United States to provide a report on
the effectiveness of human rights training in security
cooperation programs. Public Law 117-81 also authorized an
increase in funding above the budget request for certain
security cooperation programs. The James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) also
included measures to continue to enhance the implementation and
oversight of Department of Defense security cooperation
programs. The FY23 NDAA authorized an increase in funding above
the budget request for certain security cooperation programs,
streamlined congressional reporting requirements regarding
security cooperation, and established a pilot program to
improve the operational resilience of foreign military
partners.
Strategic Deterrence
Regarding strategic deterrence, the committee conducted
oversight of nuclear deterrence policy and posture by hearing
testimony in several strategic posture hearings, and hearings
on atomic energy defense activities being conducted by
Department of Energy and Department of Defense officials. This
oversight included examining adversaries nuclear developments;
the role of nuclear weapons and purpose of nuclear deterrence;
options, such as arms control, to reduce the risk of
miscalculation that could lead to nuclear war in a crisis and
reduce the risk of a nuclear arms race or a lowered threshold
to nuclear weapons use; options to maintain credible nuclear
extended deterrence; and the impact of proposed new nuclear
weapons capabilities and policies on regional and strategic
stability and on deterring adversaries. To better understand
capabilities of near-peer adversaries with regards to strategic
deterrence, the committee held a hearing on near-peer
advancements in space and nuclear weapons on February 23, 2021.
The committee also conducted oversight on issues within the
space, conventional prompt strike, and missile defense
portfolios that contribute to strategic deterrence,
particularly regarding of roles and responsibilities within the
military services, Missile Defense Agency, and Space
Development Agency.
Irregular Warfare, Emerging Threats, and Countering Violent Extremist
Organizations
During the 117th Congress, the committee conducted
oversight to ensure that the posture and policies of the
Department are properly structured, resourced, and aligned to
effectively counter our strategic competitors and adversaries,
as well as deter acts of terror and counter violent extremist
organizations that threaten the United States, its allies, and
partners. This included monthly counterterrorism updates at the
staff level and quarterly updates for members of the
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. The joint
explanatory material accompanying the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 directs the
Department to update policies and procedures for the use of the
127e authority and provide a briefing to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Additionally, the committee conducted extensive oversight
of authorities provided to the Department to support foreign
forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals engaged in
supporting or facilitating ongoing irregular warfare operations
by U.S. Special Operations Forces known as the 1202 authority.
The oversight included dozens of classified briefings and
congressional delegation oversight trips to visit programs
first hand.
Given the increase in efforts to counter malign activities
of our adversaries in the information environment, the
committee increased oversight of military information support
operations, through quarterly Information Operations updates
and staff visits to operational platforms. This oversight
culminated in robust reporting requirements for the Department
of Defense in section 1052 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 which requires
notification to the congressional defense committees not later
than 48 hours after approving or changing the scope of a
military information support operation plan.
Organization and Management of the Department of Defense
During the 117th Congress, the committee oversaw the
organization and management of the Department of Defense, and
it legislated organizational changes through the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81) and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023. Organizational changes included: certain
organizational developments involving the United States Space
Force; a designation requirement for a senior DOD official to
implement the electromagnetic spectrum superiority strategy; a
requirement for an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber
Policy; and increases to the authorized numbers of Assistant
and Deputy Assistant Secretaries of Defense.
Financial Management
The committee has continued its oversight of military
effectiveness and fiscal responsibility in a dynamic budgeting
environment. The Comptroller General of the United States has
consistently identified the Department of Defense's financial
management as a high-risk area since 1995. The Department of
Defense has made some progress in modernizing its financial
management capabilities, but disparate and obsolete financial
management systems and processes are incapable of properly
accounting for Department assets. The financial management
systems, organizations, and processes involved in addressing
this challenge has required significant and sustained
congressional oversight.
The committee has reviewed Department efforts to implement
the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) plan, as
mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84). The Inspector General of the
Department of Defense conducted the first agency-wide financial
audit of the Department in fiscal year 2018, and has continued
to conduct such audits annually. The Department has shown
steady progress in identifying and addressing challenges to its
goal of an unmodified audit opinion, but remediation and
corrective actions continue to require a high level of senior
leadership attention and oversight, both from Congress and the
Department. The committee conducted rigorous oversight of the
Department's efforts to achieve an unmodified audit opinion,
including corrective actions and process improvements.
The committee has monitored and studied interdependencies
between the FIAR plan and investments in business and financial
systems modernization programs as the Department works to
correct the weaknesses in its financial statements. Both the
Department and Congress depend on the objective tools provided
by proper financial management processes and statements in
order to make informed decisions.
Homeland Defense
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued its
oversight of the missions and capabilities of U.S. Northern
Command and the Department of Defense's Homeland Defense and
Global Security directorate. This section covers integration of
response planning and exercises, as well as requests for
support from other departments and agencies, Defense Support of
Civil Authorities, as well as the Department of Defense's
integration and support to domestic disaster response.
Elsewhere, the activities report covers other aspects of
homeland defense such as cyber operations, Cooperative Threat
Reduction, nuclear issues, and intermediate and long-range
missile defense systems.
During the 117th Congress, the committee conducted
oversight and received hearings and briefings on a range of
topics focused on homeland defense issues, particularly on the
Department of Defense's support to the Department of Homeland
Security at the southern land border of the United States,
COVID-19 pandemic support, and support to civilian law
enforcement to help secure the U.S. Capitol after the civil
disturbance on January 6, 2021.
Support to the Southern Border
During both sessions of the 117th Congress, the committee
received briefings on the mission, scope, authorities,
duration, efficacy, and cost of U.S. border support operations
from Department of Defense officials. On April 9, 2021, and
March 8, 2022, the committee held hearings titled ``National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activity in North and
South America'' to inform the committee regarding the fiscal
year budget request as it relates to Northern Command and to
the Department of Defense's support to the Department of
Homeland Security at the southern border. Staff also traveled
to the southern border of the United States to review and
assess Department of Defense operations and activities.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) contains a provision that would
modify and expand section 1014 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328) to
provide more detailed information on military support to
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) along the southern
border. The modification would require the Department of
Defense to include reporting elements on the methodology the
Department of Defense uses when determining cost estimates and
the impact on active-duty and National Guard readiness when
supporting DHS missions at the border.
COVID-19 Pandemic
During the 117th Congress, the committee received regular
briefings on how the Department of Defense is providing force
protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee received
updates on COVID-19 testing, research, augmentation to civilian
health centers, and vaccination support by the Department of
Defense with National Guard and active-duty personnel. On
February 17, 2021, the committee held a hearing entitled
``Update on the Department of Defense's Evolving Roles and
Mission in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.'' These events
were essential for the committee to better understand the
evolving nature of the pandemic response and how the Department
of Defense role changed to meet the needs of the national and
local response.
Support to Operation Allies Welcome
During the second session of the 117th Congress, the
committee received briefings and conducted oversight on the
Department of Defense's support to the Department of Homeland
Security for Operation Allies Welcome (OAW). The Department of
Defense's major role in OAW was the provision of safe temporary
housing, sustainment, and life support for the Afghan evacuees.
The Department of Defense identified and established eight
``safe havens''' within the United States at military
installations to support this mission. Members or staff
traveled to all safe haven locations to review and assess
Department of Defense operations and activities.
Support to U.S. Capitol Police--Securing the Capitol
During the first session of the 117th Congress, the
committee received briefings and conducted oversight on the
Department of Defense's support to the U.S. Capitol Police for
security at the U.S. Capitol. During the deployment of multiple
National Guard units in a 6-month period in 2021, the committee
conducted oversight on the evolving mission of the National
Guard, their security plans, and personnel support operations
including food, housing, and medical support. Staff and members
met with key National Guard leaders and routinely toured the
security posture of the National Guard personnel securing the
Capitol in support of the U.S. Capitol Police.
Acquisition and Regulatory Reform
Acquisition Reform Overview
In the 117th Congress, the committee continued its ongoing
effort to improve the efficiency, flexibility, and streamlining
of the Department of Defense acquisition system to support a
more responsive and resilient approach to national security. In
undertaking this effort, the committee welcomed diverse input
from the Department and other outside experts. Through its
oversight function, the committee monitored the efforts of the
Department to implement statutory changes and recommendations
of commissioned reports and continued to ensure equity,
integrity, transparency, and accountability in the acquisition
process.
Industrial base resiliency and supply chain security are
critical to the Department's ability to accomplish its mission.
Accordingly, the committee established a Supply Chain Task
Force to examine processes through which the Department
analyzes supply chain vulnerabilities and develops mitigation
strategies; the Department's actions to prioritize and mitigate
those identified vulnerabilities; and steps Congress and others
can take to help build resilience against future shocks to the
supply chain. The Task Force held nine roundtables with a
variety of experts from the Department, academia, industry
associations, former government officials, think tanks, and
newer emerging players in the defense industrial base to
formulate recommendations. The roundtables revealed
insufficient visibility on supply chains and the need to build
resilience and mitigate risk, better understand surge capacity
for future crises, and partner with industry to achieve better
supply chain transparency and make strategic assessments. Each
of these themes resulted in legislative provisions in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public
Law 117-81), including an enhanced Department of Defense supply
chain risk assessment framework, assurance that the Department
of Energy accounts for Department of Defense priorities in
critical mining, detailed planning to reduce reliance on
services and supplies from China and Russia, and a study on the
Manufacturing Engineering Education program to improve
collaboration among institutions of higher education, labor
organizations, and organizations representing defense
contractors to focus on career pathways in manufacturing.
The committee held a classified briefing on the Defense
Innovation Unit (DIU) to receive testimony on the authorities
and flexibility necessary to accelerate the adoption of leading
commercial technology across the Department of Defense and grow
the National Security Innovation Base, and to better understand
and amplify the secondary impact on the military personnel and
civilians who have rotated through DIU and returned to share
knowledge of how to engage and attract outside technology. The
committee also held a virtual briefing to receive expert
testimony on the Department of Defense's decision support
systems, which include the requirements, budgeting, and
acquisition processes, as well as the Department of Defense's
ongoing efforts to implement flexibilities authorized by past
National Defense Authorization Acts and to adapt its buying
practices to work with nontraditional firms to achieve rapid
fielding of emerging military capabilities. In addition, the
committee continued its oversight of proper, effective, and
efficient use of these contracting flexibilities, as well as
unique authorities provided in the Families First Coronavirus
Relief Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
Act, with monthly briefings from senior acquisition leaders
from the Department of Defense and services.
Acquisition Policy and Issues
Consistent with its oversight plan for the 117th Congress,
the committee expanded its efforts to lower barriers and to
enhance the Department of Defense's ability to take advantage
of innovative technologies, leverage efficiency through data
analytics, meet demands by scaling to need, and partner with a
wide range of businesses, including small, medium, and small
disadvantaged firms. Small businesses spur innovation, yet the
number of small businesses in the Defense Industrial Base has
shrunk by over 40 percent in the past decade, creating a risk
that threatens key domestic capabilities. The committee
supported the Department's efforts to increase small business
participation and ensure supply chain resilience. Congress's
extension of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small
Business Technology Transfer program authority enabled small
businesses to explore their technological potential and profit
from commercialization, thus stimulating innovation. The James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2023 (FY23 NDAA) would ensure the Department has a reasonable
implementation period to meet Small Business Innovation
Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Extension Act
of 2022 (Public Law 117-183) due diligence requirements and can
continue to fund critical priorities and accelerate
capabilities to the warfighter.
Over the past 2 years, the committee has emphasized the
importance of attracting, inspiring, and retaining a highly-
skilled acquisition workforce, including professionals with the
experience and ability to recognize the benefit of new
technology capabilities. Today, the Department must recruit and
retain leaders who can meet the challenges of managing
strategic investment in the industrial base and increase
innovation within the defense ecosystem. The committee took
action to ensure the Department provides education and
professional development opportunities to build a digitally
literate acquisition workforce capable of collaborating across
disciplines and with the private sector on emerging technology
initiatives.
The committee also took action to enable the Department to
leverage its buying power to advance national security
sustainably. Public Law 117-81 directed the Secretary of
Defense to engage with a federally funded research and
development center to conduct a study to identify the knowledge
and tools, including scenario-based strategic sourcing tools,
needed for the acquisition workforce to engage in acquisition
planning and source selection practices that promote the
acquisition of resilient and resource-efficient goods and
services. The FY23 NDAA would also establish a pilot program to
expand other transaction authority for use on military
installations to experiment with architecture and design
methods to improve facility resilience.
The committee incorporated several provisions in National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81) and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) to improve efficiency and
effectiveness in the acquisition process. Provisions of note
include the following:
(1) Investing in the Workforce: The committee maintained
its commitment to getting the acquisition workforce the
education and support it needs to attract and retain top
talent. Public Law 117-81 required the Defense Acquisition
University leadership to create strategic partnerships to
expand their offerings and ensure contracting professionals
engage in experiential learning to better align acquisition
workforce training to support innovative capabilities. The FY23
NDAA would ensure the Defense Civilian Training Corps leverages
the interdisciplinary community of university faculty within
the Acquisition Innovation Research Center to attract and
educate acquisition workforce of the future, and establish
award programs to celebrate acquisition professionals who use
independent judgment, critical thinking, and demonstrate
innovation.
(2) Streamlining Acquisition Processes: Public Law 117-81
relieved procedural delays that hinder innovative advances in
weapon system programs by repealing the statutory preference
for fixed-price type contracts. The FY23 NDAA would extend the
``Section 890'' pilot program to streamline contracting actions
and ensure government access to crucial cost and pricing data.
(3) Increasing Transparency and Integrity: The committee
continues to emphasize the importance of accountability and
integrity in the contracting process, particularly with regard
to contracting for commercial goods and services. Public Law
117-81 required the Department to improve public accessibility
of data related to the exercise of other transaction authority,
and revived the key oversight requirement for the Department to
report information about a weapon system's total program cost,
development, and production schedule, performance and cost
breaches, and ensure the Department has plans for improved data
gathering and sharing. The FY23 NDAA would provide authority to
assist the Department in determining fair and reasonable
pricing for commercial products. The FY23 NDAA would also
clarify and create consistency between defense and civilian
contracting policy on whistleblower protections.
(4) Ensuring the Security of the Defense Industrial Base:
The committee remains focused on ensuring the integrity of the
defense industrial supply base and improving risk mitigation,
including the processes and procedures for assessing and
mitigating risks related to foreign ownership, control or
influence. Public Law 117-81 improved the legal framework to
mitigate risk in critical defense supply chains and across the
broader acquisition process, using leading-edge digital tools,
technology, and approaches to enhance supply chain
transparency, as well as required the Department to address
risks posed by cyberattacks and climate change in its annual
assessment of industrial capabilities. To reduce supply chain
risk in critical defense systems, the committee directed
restrictions to be tightened on acquisitions of certain printed
circuit boards for which supply chains may be susceptible to
interference by the Chinese government. It further required the
Department to improve its supply chain risk assessment
framework leveraging modern supply chain illumination tools.
The FY23 NDAA would improve oversight of the Department's
pharmaceutical supply chains and require the Department to
develop options for mitigating production shortfalls for
materials like insulin used to treat chronic health conditions.
It would also authorize actions to combat capital investments
by strategic competitors in critical industrial sectors.
(5) Invigorating Small Businesses: The committee remains
cognizant of the fragility of the industrial base and the
importance of retaining and attracting agile small businesses
creating emerging technologies. Public Law 117-81 directed the
Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the effects of
the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework on
small business concerns including costs of complying, the
change in number of small businesses in the Defense Industrial
Base resulting from the implementation and use of the
framework, and efforts the Department is undertaking to
mitigate negative effects on and provide support to small
businesses. The FY23 NDAA would codify the Department of
Defense Mentor Protege Program, which provides developmental
assistance to help small business build the technical
capabilities needed to become part of the Department of Defense
supply chain, while establishing successful relationships for
large, prime contractors.
(6) Accelerating the Acquisition Process in Support of
Ukraine: The FY23 NDAA would expedite critical munitions to
Ukraine and replenishment of associated United States stocks by
streamlining acquisition requirements and authorizing
economically efficient advance and multi-year procurements,
while also expanding the authority of the National Defense
Stockpile manager to address shortfalls and authorizing more
than $1 billion for the National Defense Stockpile Transaction
Fund acquisitions of strategic and critical materials.
Intelligence
During the 117th Congress, the United States faced a
rapidly evolving threat environment. Russia's unprovoked attack
on Ukraine heightened the committee's already focused efforts
on closer intelligence cooperation with allies and partners.
The committee pressed the Defense Intelligence Enterprise (DIE)
on its ability to support the enduring requirement from
combatant commands for the Intelligence Community to intensify
support to counter adversary coercion and subversion. The
committee held hearings with the European Centre of Excellence
for Countering Hybrid Threats, and examined how the DIE is
countering disinformation and false narratives from our
adversaries and competitors. The committee assessed the extent
to which the DIE has adopted policies and procedures to
assemble and release focused intelligence to expose malign
behaviors, particularly as unclassified data is injected into
the public domain more rapidly.
With the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021,
the committee also focused on collection efforts in and around
Afghanistan to ensure the U.S. retains the ability to
understand the threat environment and ensure Afghanistan does
not again become a safe haven for terrorists who seek to attack
the U.S. homeland. Intelligence oversight focused on how the
DIE is shifting collection to support the priorities of the
March 2021 Interim National Security Strategic Guidance, and
the October 2022 National Defense Strategy. The committee
focused on ensuring the DIE is postured to collect intelligence
in all domains, analyze vast amounts of raw data, and provide
finished intelligence to support the warfighter, planners, and
policy makers. The committee prioritized establishing closer
intelligence sharing relationships with allies and partners
across all geographic combatant commands.
The committee scrutinized current and planned modernization
activities, including developments in machine learning and
artificial intelligence across the DIE as a means to create
current, informed foundational intelligence to support the
warfighter, including an examination of the strategy and plan
for Project Maven as it transitions to the National Geospatial
Intelligence Agency, and the continued development of the
Defense Intelligence Agency's machine-assisted analytic rapid
repository system (MARS). The committee received numerous
briefings to examine the DIA's cover modernization initiative
and the impact of ubiquitous technical surveillance. As the DIE
increasingly relies on commercially available data, the
committee conducted oversight to ensure that any acquisition,
storage, or use of U.S. sourced data does not infringe on
Fourth Amendment rights of U.S. persons.
Additionally, the committee maintained rigorous oversight
on the roles and responsibilities of the counterintelligence
and security arms of the Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Intelligence and Security, including an examination
of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's
priority missions: counterintelligence; protecting critical
technology; personnel vetting; and insider threat management.
Finally, the committee maintained oversight of title 10,
U.S. Code, and Department of Defense title 50, U.S. Code,
activities in accordance with the committee's jurisdiction. The
committee continued to coordinate, as appropriate, with the
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on matters
related to Department of Defense intelligence and
counterintelligence activities in the course of oversight and
the authorization of appropriations for intelligence activities
shared by the two committees.
Afghanistan
The committee continued its oversight of the U.S. military
operations starting with the ongoing Intra-Afghan Negotiations
as part of the ``Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan''
signed by the United States and the Taliban on February 29,
2020. The committee then expanded its oversight to include the
Administration's decision to withdraw U.S. military forces
while increasing diplomatic efforts and continuing military aid
support, thus ending the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan.
Oversight then shifted to the redeployment of U.S. personnel
and equipment, the delivery and implementation of military
economic aid, the deteriorating security situation, the
collapse of the Afghan Government, the eventual evacuation of
U.S. personnel and at-risk Afghans from Hamid Karzai
International Airport, and the ever-evolving security situation
in Afghanistan.
During both sessions of the 117th Congress, the committee
held numerous events related to the U.S. military mission in
Afghanistan. There were classified briefings, formal
unclassified briefings, conference calls, and several hearings
with Department of Defense officials. At both budgetary
hearings for U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), the Commander of
USCENTCOM, General McKenzie, testified about Afghanistan on
April 20, 2021, and again on March 17, 2022. While the
committee received multiple classified briefings on
Afghanistan, two highlights were on August 25, 2021, about the
U.S. military mission in Afghanistan and support to Department
of State operations and on October 22, 2021, providing an
update on over the horizon counterterrorism capabilities for
Afghanistan. The committee conducted two full committee
hearings in the 117th Congress on Afghanistan. The first
hearing on May 10, 2021, when Mr. David Helvey, Acting
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs, and
Brigadier General Trollinger, Deputy Director for Politico-
Military Affairs, testified on the future of military
assistance to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces,
U.S. military operations, and the security situation in
Afghanistan at a hearing entitled ``An Update on Afghanistan''.
The next hearing was on September 29th, 2021, when the
Honorable Lloyd J. Austin, Secretary of Defense; General Mark
Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and General
Kenneth McKenzie, Commander, U.S. Central Command, testified on
the issues surrounding the end of the U.S. military mission in
Afghanistan at a hearing entitled ``Ending the U.S. Military
Mission in Afghanistan''.
In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2022 (Public Law 117-81), Congress authorized multiple
provisions regarding oversight of Department of Defense
activities regarding Afghanistan. Some key provisions were
Section 1069--Reports on Oversight of Afghanistan, Section
1092--Quarterly Security Briefings on Afghanistan, and Section
1217--Report and Briefing on United States Equipment, Property,
and Classified Material that was Destroyed or Abandoned in the
Withdrawal from Afghanistan. These reports and briefings
provided Congress key insights into the evolving security
situation, counterterrorism policies and plans, and an
accounting of what might have been left behind in Afghanistan
and any potential impacts. Public Law 117-81 also established
the Afghanistan War Commission, a multi-year independent
commission to examine the war in Afghanistan, beginning just
prior to the U.S. led invasion and covering the entire 20 years
of the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization
involvement in Afghanistan. The commission will review key
strategic, diplomatic, and operational decisions across the
entirety of the U.S. Government and develop a series of reports
with recommendations and lessons learned regarding the U.S.
involvement in Afghanistan.
In the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA), Congress would continue
oversight in Afghanistan with provisions like Section 1222--
Additional Matters for Inclusion in Reports on Oversight in
Afghanistan. The section would add additional reporting
requirements to the section 1069 report of Public Law 117-81.
These additional reporting requirements would provide Congress
increased oversight on intelligence assets dedicated to
Afghanistan, the ability for the United States to detect
emerging threats from Afghanistan, and an update on Department
of Defense policy guidance for counterterrorism operations in
Afghanistan.
READINESS
Maintenance and Training
The military services have continued to develop new
strategies for investing in modernization and replacing legacy
weapon systems with next generation capabilities. To that end,
the committee conducted oversight of budget requests related to
the sustainment of legacy platforms through their retirement as
well as changing training requirements to support new
capabilities entering the force, and how the sustainment
infrastructure and the organic industrial base will be postured
to support next generation weapon systems and capabilities.
Where appropriate, the committee recommended resource
adjustments in the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) and the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
The committee took particular interest in the timeliness of
Navy shipyard maintenance availabilities and ensuring that they
are performed on budget; Army force generation and large-scale
training exercises; Marine Corps amphibious training; and
aircraft sustainment and training across the military services.
The committee also focused on sustainment and oversight of the
military departments depots. Relatedly, the committee expressed
concerns in the joint explanatory statements accompanying the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Committee Print No. 2) and the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Sections 352,
356, 358, and 358 of the FY23 NDAA would address ships
maintenance and shipyard optimization and sections 371, 372,
373, 374 and 377 would address matters related to depots.
Finally, the committee examined ways that commercial best
practices, new technology, and data analytics can help the
military services more efficiently maintain weapon systems and
effectively train personnel. This includes the collection of
real-time data and analysis of historical maintenance records
to develop a more efficient, predictive, and effective
maintenance strategy as well as the use of augmented and
virtual reality training and simulators to improve training.
The committee conducted oversight of these initiatives through
reporting requirements included in the committee reports
accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (H. Rept. 117-118) and the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H. Rept. 117-397).
Logistics
Ensuring a functional logistics enterprise in a contested
environment is a critical enabler of U.S. military readiness.
The committee conducted oversight of the Department of
Defense's efforts to protect and sustain its prepositioned
stocks, communications networks, and tanker, strategic airlift,
and military sealift fleets. The committee also focused on
oversight of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Department
of Defense entity responsible for managing the global supply
chain and providing goods and services in support of the total
force. DLA's role in supporting the requirements of geographic
and functional combatant commands was also of importance to the
committee. The committee put particular focus on the issue of
contested fuel logistics.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) included sections 341 which required the
Department of Defense to develop ways to mitigate contested
logistics challenges through addressing operational energy
demand and 342 which required the Department of Defense to
designate a Combatant Command to be responsible for global bulk
fuel management and delivery. Section 353 of the James M.
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
would focus on the fuel logistics in the U.S. Indo-Pacific
Combatant Command area of responsibility.
Life-Cycle Sustainment
The committee continued its focus on the Department's
initiatives to reduce the total-ownership costs of weapons
systems and equipment while ensuring the Department is
appropriately considering life-cycle support and sustainment
requirements when it develops acquisition strategies for each
program. The committee was particularly focused on conducting
oversight of the F-35 program ensuring the Department was
accountable for improving its estimates of total weapon system
life-cycle costs and its efforts to effectively sustain this
weapons system over the course of its life-cycle. Section 357
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) required the Comptroller General of the
United States to conduct annual reviews of F-35 sustainment.
The committee reports accompanying the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (H. Rept. 117-118) and
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.
Rept. 117-397) noted concerns about the Department's ability to
conduct effective life-cycle sustainment of its systems.
Organic Industrial Base
Our country's organic industrial base is vital to achieving
and maintaining warfighting readiness across all domains. The
military services' arsenals, depots, air logistics complexes,
and shipyards provide long-term sustainment through programmed
maintenance and conduct repair and modernization upgrades.
These facilities and their skilled workforces provide a
national-level insurance policy against unforeseen strategic
contingencies. The committee conducted oversight of the focused
on the current state and future health of the organic
industrial base with a particular focus on maintenance and
sustainment requirements, loss of skilled workforce, and an
emphasis on modernization initiatives at the expense of
investments in maintaining legacy weapon systems.
Sections 371, 372, 373, and 374 of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 would
address matters related to depots including a requirement for
the military departments to develop 5-year sustainment plans
for their depots, and an increase in the minimum capital
investment required for depot infrastructure.
The committee will continue its work to oversee funded but
unfinished maintenance work (carryover) in order to improve
workload planning and incentivize sound depot management.
Section 377 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 would clarify the method
in which the Army would calculate carryover for its depots.
Civilian Personnel
The Federal civilian workforce of the Department of Defense
plays a critical role in advancing national security,
contributes unique skillsets to the Department's mission, and
serves as a force multiplier for the uniformed military force.
The Department employs more Federal civilians than any other
Federal agency and these personnel perform disparate and
essential missions across the globe. The committee focuses on
providing the Department with the proper tools to invest in and
support a strong civilian workforce that contributes
effectively to the success of the Department's mission.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) included several provisions to support the
civilian workforce. In furthering efforts to provide benefits
to compete with private sector talent, Public Law 117-81
provided federal employees with two weeks of paid parental
bereavement leave. In addition, Public Law 117-81 strengthened
the prohibition on numerical caps that determined the number of
civilian personnel needed to provide Department of Defense
mission requirements, restored the 1-year probationary period
for new civilian employees to ensure their probationary period
was commensurate to other federal employees, and included a
requirement in the Department of Defense's readiness reports to
include information on military manpower. The bill provided
extensions to the authority that permits certain allowances,
benefits, and gratuities for civilian personnel on official
duty in combat zones and to the authority that waives
limitations on premium pay for civilians serving overseas.
Public Law 117-81 also required the Secretary of Defense to
develop a plan to collect and report on metric related to
diversity and inclusion in the civilian workforce.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(FY23 NDAA) would include several authorities to allow the
Department of Defense to quickly hire civilian personnel for
areas such as science and engineering positions and Department
of Defense laboratories. The bill also would extend a
noncompetitive appointment authority to certain spouses of
military personnel and disabled veterans. The bill would also
include an authorization for current and former Department of
Defense civilian employees who were in term-limited
appointments to compete for permanent appointments. In
addition, the bill would include a requirement for the
Department of Defense to develop standardized credentials for
law enforcement officers. The FY23 NDAA would extend for 1 year
the authority that permits certain allowances, benefits, and
gratuities for civilian personnel on official duty in combat
zones and the authority that waives limitations on premium pay
for civilians serving overseas. The FY23 NDAA would also extend
the maximum authorized period of protection for former
Department of Defense officials from 2 years to 3 years. The
joint explanatory material to accompany the FY23 NDAA would
require the Comptroller General to review the Administration's
implementation of the paid parental leave benefit for federal
civilians. In addition, the joint explanatory material to
accompany the FY23 NDAA would require the Comptroller General
to review the parity between the Federal Wage System and the
prevailing wage rate for wage grade workers who maintain or
repair, or help support those who maintain or repair U.S. Navy
ships or submarines.
Energy and Environment
Energy is a key readiness enabler for the Department of
Defense. Energy resilient installations and increased
efficiency provide cost savings and guard against mission
failure. A robust operational energy program enhances
operational effectiveness of the military and improves our
national security posture through the mitigation logistics
challenges in contested environments. A major focus of the
committee's oversight has been on the Department and military
services' efforts to address resiliency gaps and improve energy
efficiency on military installations and to reduce demand and
minimize logistics challenges for military operations. To this
end, section 312 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) required the Department of
Defense to set water and energy usage goals for Department
operated data centers. Section 324 of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23
NDAA) would establish a pilot program for the use of
sustainable aviation fuel. Section 322 of the FY23 NDAA would
establish a program for prototype and demonstration of energy
resilience projects through the creating of energy resilience
testbeds at certain military installations, and section 317
would require all non-tactical vehicles purchased or leased by
the Department to be electric or other zero emission vehicles
after 2035.
In addition, the committee conducted oversight of the
Department and military services' environmental management. The
committee focused its oversight on the Department's policies
and procedures related to contamination in defense communities
linked to the Department of Defense. The committee continued
its oversight of the Department's efforts with respect to
emerging contaminants including adherence to Federal, state,
and local compliance requirements and the phase-out of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl compound-containing fire-fighting agents.
Section 343 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 placed a moratorium on the incineration of
materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances including aqueous film forming foam. Section 345 of
the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 would restrict the purchase of fire fighter
turnout gear containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances. Section 343 of the FY23 NDAA would expand an
existing prize program to spur innovation in the creation of
this turnout gear.
Military Construction, Facilities Sustainment, and Real Property
Management
The committee continued its oversight of the Department of
Defense's military construction and real property program to
manage the overall capacity of the Department's infrastructure
and to ensure prudent long-term military construction
investments that are resilient to natural and man-made threats.
The committee focused on the Department's investments in
facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization,
particularly in the area of quality of life infrastructure such
as unaccompanied housing and barracks and child development
centers. Section 2814 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) set a minimum required
facility sustainment investment for unaccompanied housing.
Sections 2816 of Public Law 117-81, and section 2871 of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 would provide direction to military departments on
policies related to the availability of child care and the
improvement of the material condition of child development
center facilities.
The committee continued to conduct oversight on the
material condition of research, development, test and
evaluation infrastructure as these facilities are an essential
readiness enabler and driver of innovation. Sections 2801 and
2803 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023 would strengthen existing authorities for
the modernization of lab infrastructure and section 2805 would
establish a novel authority for the modernization of innovation
infrastructure.
Housing for Military Families and Unaccompanied Service Members
The committee continued to provide increased oversight over
military housing, including the Military Housing Privatization
Initiative (MHPI) program. The committee monitored investments
related to maintenance and sustainment of housing developments,
the financial health of individual projects, communication with
tenants, and ensured that best practices were being uniformly
adopted to ensure that housing was free of environmental
hazards.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
(Public Law 117-81) included provisions that ensured necessary
investments in military unaccompanied housing in section 2814,
and safety inspections for child development centers and the
expansion of child care option for military families in section
2816. It also required, in section 2812, a plan for the
implementation of the fall protection devices in military
family housing and clarified the applicability of disability
laws for military housing units in section 2813.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 would include a notice requirement and
briefing before the extension of any MHPI ground leases in
section 2822, would mandate mold inspections of vacant housing
units by the services in section 2824, would require annual
briefings on the status and financial health of the MHPI
enterprise in section 2823, and would require the
implementation of recommendations from audit of medical
conditions of residents in privatized military housing in
section 2825.
Furthermore, the committee continued to provide oversight
over the execution and implementation of required reforms to
the MHPI program that were in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and
the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283).
MILITARY PERSONNEL AND HEALTH CARE ISSUES
Military Manpower and Force Structure
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued to
assess the military's manpower requirements to meet its current
and future global military commitments. Specifically, the
committee continued to provide aggressive oversight of military
manpower levels, skill sets, and force structure to ensure they
supported the National Defense Strategy. During the first
session of the 117th Congress, the end strength and recruiting
were continued concerns even though they generally rose for the
services during this period. On February 18, 2021, the
Subcommittee on Military Personnel received a briefing from the
service recruiting chiefs concerning recruiting during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The subcommittee, on March 25, 2021,
received a briefing on recruiting and personnel policy updates
from the Military Service Academy's superintendents.
During the second session and ending fiscal year 2022, end
strength decreased for each military service aside from the
Space Force and recruiting shortfalls were of most concern. The
committee was concerned with the ability of the services to
meet their minimum manning levels and the demands and necessary
growth in specialized fields such as cyber, intelligence,
pilots, and maintainers. As part of this oversight effort, the
staff traveled to discuss marketing and advertising efforts of
the Army and the Navy to assess the effort of the services in
targeting potential recruits and their influencers.
Military Benefits and Compensation
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued to
scrutinize proposals from the Department of Defense and other
organizations calling for changes to military compensation and
other benefit programs. The committee continues to be concerned
about the overall adequacy of service members basic pay and
compensation packages.
The Subcommittee on Military Personnel oversight of pay and
allowance issues led the committee, as part of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81), to recommend no change to current law, thereby enabling
the by-law 2.7 percent raise in basic pay during calendar year
2022 based on section 1009 of title 37, United States Code. It
is the intent of the underlying law to ensure military pay
raises match the rate of compensation increases in the private
sector as measured by the Employment Cost Index. As part of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA), the committee again recommended no
change to the current law which would result in a basic pay
increase of 4.6 percent for 2023. Additionally, Public Law 117-
81 included legislation that would increase certain hazardous
duty incentive pay for members of the uniformed services.
Public Law 117-81 and the FY23 NDAA also extend the
authorities to pay bonuses and special pays during fiscal year
2022 and fiscal year 2023, and the subcommittee monitored the
value of those bonuses and special pays to ensure they were
sufficient to achieve the recruiting and retention objectives
for which they were developed. Public Law 117-81 and the FY23
NDAA both include legislation that would increase the bonus
authority for various military professional skill sets to help
to address the Department of Defense's overall shortage in
these critical areas.
Public Law 117-81 also established a Basic Needs Allowance
for servicemembers to address any food insecurity in the ranks.
This allowance was authorized if the service members total
income was below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The
FY23 NDAA increases this threshold to 150 percent. Due to the
dramatic increase in inflation during calendar year 2022, the
FY23 NDAA also authorizes an increase to commissary
appropriations to help defer the inflationary increases in
process. Additionally, the FY23 NDAA requires the Secretary of
Defense to closely review the current military pay tables for
adequacy.
Military Health System
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued its
oversight of military health policies of the Department of
Defense. The Department is charged with both supporting the
readiness requirements of the warfighter and delivering a
robust military health benefit.
The committee closely monitored: military medical manning
requirements; TRICARE benefit delivery; increasing behavioral
health needs; and implementation of ongoing reform efforts that
are transitioning Military Health System from the military
service departments to the Defense Heath Agency through a
series of quarterly briefings from the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Health Affairs, the Director of the Defense Health
Agency and the Services Surgeons General.
In addition, the committee continued to monitor the impacts
of rollouts of the MHS Genesis Electronic Health Record, as
well as other health-related collaborations between the
Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. This
oversight included visits to Military Treatment Facilities and
the Capt. James Lovell Federal Health Center in North Chicago.
The committee's oversight efforts included briefings and
hearings on quality-of-care issues in the Military Health
System during the first and second sessions of the 117th
Congress. The implementation of the Stayskal Act, which was
included in the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal
Year 2020 (Public Law 116-192), was also a matter of
significant interest during calendar year 2022 as that is when
the final rule on the process was published.
Troubling trends in suicide were also a matter of
significant interest for the committee to include suicide
clusters in Alaska and Virginia.
Military Personnel Policy
During the 117th Congress, the personnel policies of the
Department of Defense remained under considerable scrutiny as
the military services compete to recruit, manage, and retain
the best and brightest men and women. The committee continued
to give close examination to proposals from the Department of
Defense and other organizations calling for major changes to
personnel policies including recruiting, promotions, career
paths, or changes to military retention and other policy
programs in order to assess the impact of any proposed changes
on the viability of the All-Volunteer Force. The committee
provided oversight of the implementation of the Diversity and
Inclusion policy requirements from the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021 (Public Law 116-283). Additionally, the committee
continued to monitor how the Department of Defense's policies
are structured to prepare service-members and veterans for the
possibility of being targeted by extremist organizations during
their service and after they leave military service to include
the prevalence of these cases across the military.
In a continuation of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel
policy oversight responsibilities, on December 7, 2021, the
subcommittee met to receive a briefing on professional military
education development. In the second session on May 18, 2022,
the subcommittee met to receive testimony on professional
military education (PME) in the Department of Defense and its
alignment with the National Defense Strategy. The results of
these and other oversight of PME led to the inclusion in the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 a requirement of the Secretary of Defense to study
and review the curriculum and method of delivery of PME
educational institutions and report back to the committee on
the results.
Since the establishment of the U.S. Space Force as a
separate service in Public Law 116-92, the committee continued
to work with the Department to oversee, establish, and
legislate the appropriate personnel policies for the new
service. To that end, the subcommittee participated in
quarterly briefings by the Space Force leadership on the way
forward for manning the Space Force, general personnel
policies, and specific general officer manning numbers and
associated personnel policy.
Uniform Code of Military Justice
The committee continued its record of providing effective
oversight of military justice, which included implementation of
the comprehensive overhaul of the Uniform Code of Military
Justice mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81). The committee also
continued its robust oversight of the Department of Defense's
sexual assault prevention and response programs with a focus on
removing interpersonal and violent crimes outside of the chain
of command, the Reform of Military Criminal Investigative
Organizations, sentencing reform, a review of standardized
judicial processes across the Services.
In exercising its oversight of sexual assault prevention
and response, the committee coordinated several congressional
delegations (CODEL) and staff delegations site visits focused
on the execution of programs at the installation level. The
oversight trips, coupled with hearings focused on Fort Hood and
the Independent Review Commission of Sexual Assault in the
Military Report, helped the committee shape and pass
legislation to better protect and provide care for victims of
sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other violent crimes.
The committee continued to focus significant attention on
Fort Hood, Texas, and the deaths of several soldiers, to
include Specialist (SPC) Vanessa Guillen. The committee
sponsored a second CODEL to Fort Hood to receive an update on
the various changes and improvements the command made to
leadership programs, sexual assault and harassment prevention
training, and missing soldier protocols.
The Independent Review Commission of Sexual Assault in the
Military, and the widely publicized sexual harassment and death
of SPC Guillen, required the committee to address the
persistent problem of sexual harassment and assault within the
military services. The National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) created the most sweeping
reforms of the Uniform Code of Military Justice since its
inception, removing the prosecution of most serious crimes
outside of the chain of command. Crimes such as murder, rape,
and sexual assault were placed under the jurisdiction of an
independent prosecutor in the newly created Office of Special
Trial Counsel in the Military Departments and Coast Guard and
criminalized sexual harassment under the Uniform Code of
Military Justice.
In the second session of the 117th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Military Personnel focused on the Department of
Defense's implementation of the Independent Review Commission
on Sexual Assault in the Military's accepted recommendations
with several briefings and a hearing on the topic. Many of the
recommendations--an independent prosecutor for sexual assault,
Military Criminal Investigative reform, sentencing reform,
among others--complimented the military justice reforms in
Public Law 117-81. Additionally, the subcommittee ensured the
Military Departments continued to establish their respective
Offices of Special Trail Counsel and properly resource and
staff them. Additionally, the subcommittee focused on the
oversight of the National Guard Bureau's response to sexual
harassment and sexual assault by holding a hearing on the
topic.
Finally, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) continued to improve upon
the military justice reforms included in Public Law 117-81.
Improving and expanding on last year's reforms, the FY23 NDAA
included provisions that placed criminal sexual harassment
under the jurisdiction of the special trial counsel, mandated
independent trained investigators for sexual harassment
complaints, required randomized panel selection, and ensured
the National Guard Bureau had the authority to inspect policy
and procedure compliance of the National Guard.
Military Family Readiness
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued to focus
on the support provided to families of service members,
particularly during deployments. The committee assessed the
methods used by the military services to identify the needs of
military families and to identify the programs and policies
that can be implemented or modified to improve their quality of
life.
The committee continued to examine the Department of
Defense and military service family support programs to ensure
the programs are adequately resourced to support an increase in
family members. In addition, the committee continued its
oversight on the quality and availability of services at
Department of Defense child development centers and the
implementation of new requirements to bring uniformity to the
Exceptional Family Member Program across the military services.
In addition, the Subcommittee on Military Personnel
continued close oversight on the quality and availability of
services at Department of Defense child development centers.
This resulted in the inclusion of several provisions in the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 relating to a critical component of family readiness
and childcare. The provisions included a pilot program to
reimburse members of the Armed Forces for certain childcare
costs incident to a permanent change of station and the
extension of parent fee discount to childcare employees and
reimbursement of childcare costs incident to a permanent change
of station. Additionally, further improvements to childcare
availability were addressed, including continued scrutiny of
childcare provider pay.
Spouse employment and education issues were also of
continued importance in the 117th Congress. Provisions were
included that would address the extension of authority to
reimburse servicemembers for spouse relicensing costs pursuant
to a permanent change of station.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs and Military Resale Programs
The committee notes the cost-efficient sustainment of
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and military resale
programs (commissaries and exchanges) is required to protect
quality of life in military communities. The Subcommittee on
Military Personnel provided oversight efforts directed toward
that end in conjunction with continuing major resale reforms,
begun in the 116th Congress, to ensure the continued viability
of these programs.
Additionally, MWR and military resale programs must remain
competitive with private sector entities to ensure that service
members and their families benefit fully from these programs.
During the 117th Congress, the subcommittee monitored current
practices and policies to ensure that MWR and military resale
programs employed the full range of strategies available to
private sector competitors to inform authorized patrons about
the benefits associated with these programs and encourage their
participation.
The subcommittee continued to monitor and oversee the
changes being made by the commissary with an emphasis on
reducing process and maintaining this valuable benefit without
interruption. To that end, the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 contained additional
funds for the commissary system to maintain the required or
better savings for service members. During the 117th Congress,
the Subcommittee on Military Personnel continued its oversight
of the defense retail system by receiving a quarterly briefing
from the Department of Defense on the savings targets and the
ongoing resale reform plans. Additionally, subcommittee staff
met with the Department of Defense to discuss whether the
commissary should be administered as a benefit or business
activity.
Prisoner of War and Missing in Action
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued
oversight of the Department of Defense's Prisoner of War/
Missing in Action activities. Specifically, the committee
focused on the operations of the Defense Personnel Accounting
Agency (DPAA) to ensure they are meeting the requirement that
the accounting effort achieve at least 200 identifications
annually.
DPAA continued to work to regain access to recover missing
service members in spite of COVID restrictions/requirements
continuing to impact country access for field work. As a
result, DPAA pursued innovation to leverage third-party
partners in their recovery efforts to such a ``Hub & Spoke''
Research Program anchored with Ohio State, Wisconsin-Madison,
and Florida State with sub-awards to 9 other institutions.
DPAA laboratories continued forensic identification work in
Hawaii and at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, yielding 142
identifications in Fiscal Year 2021 (during COVID) and 166
identifications in fiscal year 2022.
Arlington National Cemetery
The committee continued its oversight from the 116th
Congress of Arlington National Cemetery. The John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public
Law 115-232) directed the Secretary of the Army to establish
revised eligibility criteria for interment at Arlington
National Cemetery to ensure that the cemetery remains an active
burial ground well into the future.
The Department of the Army published the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking in the Federal Register on September 15, 2020. This
proposed rule closed for public comment on November 16, 2020,
and received almost 2000 public responses.
In exercising oversight over the new eligibility process,
the committee received a brief on the status of the updated
ground burial criteria and as of December 2022 the final
revised eligibility rule remains with the Department of Defense
pending release to the Office of Management and Budget for
interagency clearance in accordance with federal rule making
procedures.
MODERNIZATION AND INVESTMENT ISSUES
Overview
During the 117th Congress, the committee conducted
oversight of military equipment modernization strategies and
programs and assessed the effectiveness of those strategies to
deter adversaries, support allies and partner nations, and
mitigate threats today and into the future from peer and near-
peer competitors. The committee's efforts focused on full-
spectrum, multi-domain, combat-effective lethality,
survivability, and connectivity through near-term modernization
efforts that utilize recent acquisition reform authorities to
better streamline and speed the development, production, and
fielding of solutions to the force. The committee devoted
particular attention to the military services' implementation
and utilization of new, innovative agile acquisition reform
authorities to recapitalize, upgrade, or enhance the
performance of current and future combat systems. At the same
time, the committee conducted oversight on the military
services' ability to aggressively control development and
procurement costs, implement reasonable, executable, and
accountable sustainment strategies that preserve system
affordability, as well as manage strategic risk in critical
areas of the U.S. defense industrial base.
The committee conducted oversight and produced legislation
that would establish policies that manage strategic risk with
military forces capabilities and capacities. The committee gave
particular attention to the oversight and authorization of
resources to help mitigate the impact on U.S. forces and the
defense industrial base associated with the urgent transfer of
weapons and munitions to support Ukraine. The committee also
conducted oversight and produced legislation that would
authorize additional resources to deal with the higher-than-
expected inflation costs and schedule delays impacting
modernization programs and the defense industrial base. The
committee continued its assessment and need for legislation on
several enduring concerns including:
(1) unjustified, late, or unstable programmatic
requirements;
(2) insufficient analyses of alternatives;
(3) concurrency in test and evaluation master plans;
(4) military services proceeding prematurely with
development of immature technology;
(5) poor cost estimating;
(6) inadequate funding profiles;
(7) over-estimation of potential production rates;
(8) program instability; and,
(9) improper use of new and agile acquisition reform
authorities.
Armored Vehicle Modernization
The committee conducted oversight of the Army and Marine
Corps' increasingly stable plans to extend the operating lives
and improve the capability of its current heavy and medium-
weight armored combat vehicles, as well as lay the foundation
for successful development, testing, production, and timely
fielding of its next generations of these systems. The
committee gave particular attention to the management and
performance of the following programs:
(1) research and development of the Optionally Manned
Fighting Vehicle;
(2) M1 Abrams tank;
(3) M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles;
(4) family of Stryker Combat Vehicles;
(5) family of Amphibious Combat Vehicles;
(6) Extended Range Cannon Artillery;
(7) M109A7 Paladin Integrated Management;
(8) Armored Multipurpose Vehicle;
(9) Army's mobile protected firepower; and,
(10) Active Protection Systems for combat vehicles.
Tactical Wheeled Vehicles
The committee conducted oversight of the Army and Marine
Corps' sustainment and modernization of their current and
future tactical wheeled vehicle (TWV) fleets, including their
families of light, medium, and heavy TWVs, as well as other
engineer and bridging vehicles. The committee continued
oversight of the Department of Defense's identification and
management of risk in the TWV industrial base. Accordingly, the
committee gave focused attention to management of these
programs: Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, Heavy Expanded
Mobility Tactical Truck, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Infantry
Squad Vehicle, Palletized Load System, Heavy Equipment
Transporters, Line Haul Tractor Trailers, and 20-ton Dump
Truck. The committee also authorized additional resources for
the acceleration of safety upgrades for the Department's High
Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle fleets. The committee has
started watching the Department's interest and initial efforts
related to the challenges and potential for the operational
feasibility and suitability of all-electric or hybrid-electric
of tactical vehicles.
Rotorcraft Programs
The committee focused oversight efforts on rotorcraft
modernization, force structure, and readiness, with an emphasis
on how the military services are managing plans to accelerate
development of next-generation rotorcraft platforms while
satisfying requirements to upgrade current rotorcraft
platforms. The committee held a hearing on June 30, 2021, with
the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to examine
military rotorcraft programs, including:
(1) UH-60 Black Hawk utility rotorcraft;
(2) AH-64 Apache Attack rotorcraft;
(3) CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift rotorcraft;
(4) UH-1 Huey utility helicopters;
(5) AH-1 attack rotorcraft;
(6) the CH-53K heavy-lift rotorcraft program;
(7) the VH-92A presidential helicopter program;
(8) the MH-60 Seahawk rotorcraft program;
(9) the MH-139 utility helicopter;
(10) the HH-60W Jolly Green II Combat Rescue
Helicopter
(11) the TH-73A trainer helicopter replacement
program; and,
(12) the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) development
program.
As part of the oversight of the budget request for fiscal
year 2023, the committee held modernization hearings with Navy
and Marine Corps officials on May 13, 2022, and with Army
officials on May 17, 2022, to again appraise progress on the
services' current and future rotary wing aviation programs. The
committee also conducted a congressional delegation visit to
Redstone Arsenal to discuss Army aviation development,
acquisition, and sustainment with senior Army officials. In
addition, the committee monitored progress on the Improved
Turbine Engine program designed to improve lift capability on
the AH-64, UH-60, and future rotary wing platforms.
The committee continued specific oversight of the FVL
program, the Army's largest aviation acquisition program in 40
years. The committee received a briefing on April 7, 2022, from
Department of the Army officials on the threat analysis and
modeling underpinning the FVL requirements, how FVL will
operate in the joint fight in the 2030s and beyond, and
complementary development efforts such as Air Launched Effects
and the Modular Open Systems Approach. The committee focused on
the affordability of procuring two major aviation platforms,
the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft and the Future Attack
Reconnaissance Aircraft, in parallel and in the context of flat
Department of the Army investment spending.
The committee also continued to review the need for
advanced aircraft survivability equipment upgrades to provide
warning and protection against evolving threats. Committee
oversight encompassed the Common Infrared Countermeasure, the
Limited Interim Missile Warning System, the Distributed
Aperture Infrared Countermeasure System, and the Department of
the Navy Large Infrared Countermeasure System.
Communications and Network Programs
The committee conducted oversight of the research,
development, and procurement of tactical battlefield
communications networks. Specifically, the committee conducted
oversight of the Army's plans for future battlefield network
research and development programs, the Army's Tactical Network
Modernization roadmap, and efforts on the incremental
development and fielding of the Integrated Tactical Network and
other tactical radio programs.
Fixed-Wing Training and Tactical Aircraft and Related Munitions
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued efforts
overseeing the size, composition, capability, and capacity of
the Department of Defense's tactical and training aircraft
force structure and acquisition programs. The committee
continued engagement with the Department to understand its
aircraft force-mix strategy and composition regarding
procurement of significantly advanced 4th, 5th and 6th
generation tactical aircraft replacing existing tactical
aircraft ensuring that mission areas related to air
superiority, interdiction, and kinetic support to ground forces
maintain combat effectiveness and lethality requirements. The
committee engaged with the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps to
understand the strategies to mitigate tactical aircraft
inventory shortfalls impacting the Department's ability to meet
the tenets and implementation of the National Defense Strategy.
The committee monitored the Department's efforts to improve
capabilities and reliability among the existing fleets of
aircraft to maintain, and where necessary, gain sufficient
force-structure capacity and lethality that complements next-
generation aircraft. The committee also monitored the impact on
aviation readiness related to procurement of initial spare or
repaired parts, depot-standup activities and supplies and
critical information necessary to meet warfighter requirements.
In addition, the committee engaged with the Air Force to
understand its newly implemented Digital Century Series
acquisition strategy for aircraft and munitions. The committee
continued monitoring Air Force and Navy execution of efforts
for mitigating physiological episodes that were experienced by
pilots operating various tactical and training aircraft.
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued
oversight of the F-35 program, particularly with regard to
affordability issues and concerns related to program life-cycle
cost, production and fielding schedules, aircraft and support
system performance, and sustainment strategy planning and
execution. The committee focused efforts on the F-35's
performance during the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation
phase, Technical Refresh 3 hardware and Block 4 software
development, and the follow-on modernization program known as
Continuous Capability Development and Delivery. The committee's
area of focus on the F-35 included, but was not limited to:
(1) production efficiency;
(2) software development and testing related to the
operational flight program and mission data files;
(3) addressing F135 engine problems and repair
capacity;
(4) the Autonomic Logistics Information System
development and transition to the Operational Data
Integrated Network (ODIN);
(5) fielding and integration of ODIN into operational
F-35 units;
(6) depot stand-up and supply chain management
required to support concurrent production and
operational maintenance and sustainment requirements.
During the 117th Congress, the committee engaged the
Department of Defense to understand testing and war-reserve
material requirements and subsequent production strategies to
support and maintain sufficient inventories of air-launched
preferred and precision-guided conventional missiles and
munitions at an acceptable operational risk level. The
committee also focused its attention on the Department's
identification, assessment, and strategies for effective
management of risk in the associated defense industrial base
and issues related to diminishing manufacturing sources,
obsolescence issues, sole-source supply of components and major
sub-systems, and production capabilities needed to support both
annual production and contingency surge requirements for
preferred and precision-guided conventional missiles and
munitions.
Individual Soldier and Marine Equipment
The committee continued to conduct oversight of the
research, development, and procurement of soldier and marine
individual equipment, in addition to other complementary
personal protective equipment programs. Focus areas included,
but were not limited to:
(1) advances in weight reduction (``lightening the
load'') in individual equipment;
(2) development and procurement of the Enhanced Night
Vision Goggle-Binocular;
(3) small arms and small caliber ammunition
modernization with particular emphasis on the Army's
next generation squad weapon system;
(4) procurement and fielding of enhanced performance
small caliber rounds;
(5) improved combat helmets to help mitigate
traumatic brain injury;
(6) development of female-sized personal protective
equipment; and, (7) development and fielding of the
Integrated Visual Augmentation System.
Long Range Munitions, Ammunition, and Ammunition Industrial Base
The committee continued to conduct oversight on the Army
and Marine Corps Long Range Precision Fires and munitions
modernization efforts, as well as other ammunition and
ammunition industrial base concerns. Specifically, programs of
interest to the committee included development, production and
divestiture of ``smart'' munitions; ``critical munitions''; and
``conventional'' ammunition programs. The committee continued
to examine the management of the ammunition industrial base,
specifically issues involving safety practices and production
standards, supply chain concerns, and development of
alternative ammunition production materials and sources.
Air Force and Army Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Programs
During the 117th Congress, the committee oversaw activities
on cost, schedule, and performance of tactical manned and
unmanned aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(ISR) systems. The committee examined the ISR enterprise for
sufficient capacity, satisfaction of military collection
requirements, timeliness and redundancy of dissemination
architecture, and modernization of analysis and exploitation
capabilities for video and imagery. The committee also
scrutinized the Department of Defense's ISR policy development
and implementation.
In particular, the committee evaluated the Army and Air
Force long-term ISR architecture modernization and next-
generation acquisition strategies, the supporting analyses
behind programmatic decisions, and the management of risk
across ISR collection capabilities and capacities, as well as
the corresponding resources to process, exploit, and
disseminate raw data and finished analysis. The committee
monitored improvements made to ISR transmission and down-link
architecture that provide rapid delivery of collected
information supporting timely and effective defense operations.
On April 19, 2021, the committee conducted a briefing with the
Air Force to review the entire airborne ISR portfolio, with a
specific emphasis on near- to mid-term plans to retire current
high altitude and ground moving target indicator (GMTI) ISR
capability. The committee held a subsequent briefing with Army
officials on July 22, 2021, to assess Army plans for ISR
modernization and to determine whether Air Force plans for GMTI
collection would satisfy Army ground forces' requirements.
The committee continued to examine the Air Force's effort
to connect platforms, sensors, and weapons through the Advanced
Battle Management System (ABMS). On November 3, 2021, the
committee received a briefing from Air Force officials on the
status of ABMS, the plan for program capability releases, and
Air Force contributions to the Joint All Domain Command and
Control (JADC2) concept. As part of the committee report
accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (H. Rept. 117-118), the committee directed a
Comptroller General of the United States report on ABMS, its
technology and digital infrastructure development, and its role
in the overarching JADC2 environment.
Electronic Warfare Equipment and Modernization
The committee oversaw efforts on the Department of
Defense's developing Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO)
strategy and associated electronic warfare (EW) systems. The
committee examined how the Department is identifying
requirements, developing policies, and establishing the
necessary governance structures to manage the EMSO enterprise.
The committee also evaluated the Department's ability to
address emerging EMSO and EW threats and the military services'
progress in developing and fielding next-generation
capabilities to counter these threats. The committee assessed
airborne EW systems, including the EC-130H Compass Call
aircraft, the EC-37B Compass Call re-host aircraft, the Navy's
Next Generation Jammer airborne electronic attack capability,
and the Army's Multi-Function EW Air, as well as ground-based
EW capabilities including the Terrestrial Layer System.
Bomber Force Structure
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued
oversight efforts on the size, composition, capability and
capacity of the Department of Defense's bomber aircraft force
structure. The committee held numerous briefings on the B-21
Raider long-range strike bomber reviewing the investments made
in engineering, manufacturing and development of the aircraft.
Section 133 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) also provided guidance for
maintaining B-1 bomber force structure.
The committee is reviewing the development of a legacy
bomber modernization program that is commensurate with the
intended service life and fielding of advanced weapons.
The committee conducted oversight of the budget request in
support of the B-52 Stratofortress Commercial Engine
Replacement Program and recommended resource adjustments in
Section 4201 of Public Law 117-81 and recommended resource
adjustments in section 4201 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act Fiscal Year 2023.
As U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command's bomber road map
continues to solidify, the committee will monitor how the Air
Force chooses to invest and modernize its current fleet of
bombers to ensure they can continue to effectively respond to
current and future threats.
Aerial Refueling Aircraft
During the 117th Congress, the committee received several
briefings, conducted visits and reviewed the Air Force aerial
refueling aircraft modernization, recapitalization and
retirement plans for the Air Force's KC-10A, KC-46A and KC-
135R/T and the Navy MQ-25.
Currently, the Air Force requires 479 air refueling
aircraft to meet the National Military Strategy. The committee
is conducting oversight of the procurement of the KC-46A along
with the retirement of the KC-10A fleet and some KC-135R
aircraft. Section 122 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act Fiscal Year 2023 recommends changes to the
tanker force structure. The mitigation of KC-46A Category I
deficiencies continues to delay KC-46A test and initial
operation capability.
The committee continues to monitor the KC-135R/T
modernization plan to conduct aerial refueling operations in a
future contested airspace.
The committee visited and received briefings to review the
MQ-25 program as the Navy seeks to develop an unmanned aerial
vehicle that provides aerial refueling to the carrier wing.
Airlift Programs
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued
oversight efforts on the size, composition, capability, and
capacity of the Department of Defense's strategic and tactical
aircraft force structure. The committee engaged the Department
through hearings and briefings to understand tactical airlift
modernization and recapitalization strategy. The committee
received numerous briefings from the Air Force to understand
the modernization of the C-130H Hercules aircraft propellers
and engines. The committee continued to assess the risk in the
Air Force's current plan to maintain an intratheater airlift
aircraft inventory to support the National Defense Strategy.
Aircraft inventory was set by section 138 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81), and recommended section 126 of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
The committee continued to provide oversight of the C-5M
Super Galaxy and C-17A Globemaster III modernization programs
per section 4101 of Public Law 117-81.
Surface Warfare Programs
The Department of the Navy must expand the core
capabilities of U.S. seapower to achieve a blend of peacetime
engagement and major combat operations capabilities as part of
the Navy's 355-ship requirement. During the 117th Congress, the
committee provided oversight of the composition, capacity, and
capabilities of the surface fleet. The committee also assessed
the large and small surface combatant requirements to ensure
oversight of the force structure and the associated weapons and
sensors employed on the surface force with a specific emphasis
on Frigate capabilities. Further oversight of the amphibious
forces included setting a statutory floor of 31-L-class
amphibious ships; and transitioning responsibility for defining
amphibious force structure requirements from the Chief of Naval
Operations to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The committee
continues to monitor the requirements generation process for
the Light Amphibious Warship. The committee continued its
oversight of the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class Destroyer program
and followed the transition to the Flight III variant that
incorporates the new air and missile defense radar. The
committee also monitored the requirements and acquisition
strategy associated with the new large surface combatant, the
DDG(X), and enacted legislation that mandates certain
acquisition strategies to ensure maximum collaboration between
Navy and industry. In addition to the manned platforms, the
committee will review options for the Navy to augment the
surface force structure with both unmanned and optionally
manned platforms and will ensure these programs are
sufficiently mature before the start of construction. Finally,
the committee reviewed the combat logistics forces and the
Maritime Security Program, authorized the procurement of four
used sealift vessels, and enacted legislation that authorizes
the Maritime Administration to carry out a new construction
sealift vessel program; all with an eye toward ensuring
sufficient sealift capacity is available to support national
security objectives.
As part of this oversight, the committee continued to place
a significant emphasis on improving affordability in
shipbuilding programs through ensuring stable requirements;
using acquisition best practices; ensuring stability within the
overall program; increasing reliance on common systems and open
architecture; and improving industrial base capacity, process,
and facilities at shipyards.
Undersea Warfare Programs
The ability to operate freely at sea is one of the most
important enablers of joint and interagency operations, and sea
control requires capabilities in all aspects of the maritime
domain. There are many challenges to our ability to exercise
sea control, perhaps none as significant as the growing number
of countries operating submarines, both advanced diesel-
electric and nuclear powered. Exercising sea control in the
undersea domain is essential to maintaining freedom of
navigation in support of U.S. maritime interests. The committee
continued to review the undersea domain to ensure warfare
dominance. Specifically, the committee reviewed short- and
long-term options to reverse the decline in the attack
submarine force structure, including leveraging and supporting
the private submarine repair industry to lessen the burden on
the public repair facilities and to decrease repair times
across the fleet. The committee ensured that the Virginia-class
and Columbia-class submarine programs were fully funded in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public
Law 117-81), and proposed in the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023; including by
resourcing industrial base facilities and workforce development
efforts. Additionally, the committee monitored requirements
development for the follow-on attack submarine to the Virginia
class. Finally, the committee assessed the weapons and sensors
employed in the undersea domain to retain maritime dominance,
including the capacity and capabilities of unmanned undersea
vehicles.
As part of this oversight, the committee placed specific
emphasis on the efficacy of multi-year procurement, rigorous
assessment of requirements, and management of an expanding
undersea industrial base capacity.
Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Programs
During the 117th Congress, the committee continued
oversight efforts on the size, composition, capability, and
capacity of the Department of Defense's maritime intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft force structure. The
committee continues to monitor the recapitalization of the
remaining P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft with the P-8
Poseidon aircraft. The committee continues to assess the risk
in the Navy's current plan to maintain and procure the MQ-4
Triton.
The committee will monitor the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Airborne Early Warning Command and Control aircraft as it gains
inflight air refueling capability and continues to replace the
E-2C Hawkeye.
During the 117th Congress, the committee received multiple
briefings on the unmanned capabilities provided by the MQ-8B/C
Firescout and new Marine Air/Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial
System Expeditionary aircraft (MUX) Medium Altitude Long
Endurance System (MALE) for the Marine Corps.
Strategic Nuclear and Conventional Forces
The committee conducted oversight of the United States
nuclear policy, posture, and programs; extended deterrence
policy; arms control activities; and improved nuclear force
structure requirements. In addition, the committee continued to
oversee nuclear command, control and communications and
strategic conventional strike programs. Across all activities,
the committee paid particular attention to conducting oversight
of nuclear enterprise personnel issues, including prioritizing
a world class, diverse workforce.
The committee oversaw the atomic energy defense activities
of the Department of Energy and nuclear policies and programs
of the Department of Defense to conserve the safety, security,
reliability, and credibility of the United States nuclear
deterrent. The committee helped to ensure that the United
States maintains a safe, secure, reliable, and affordable
nuclear arsenal to address current and future threats. The
committee conducted oversight of the Department of Energy and
the Department of Defense's nuclear modernization and
sustainment plans with a hearing on April 21, 2021, and a
hearing on updates to the strategic posture and atomic defense
activities on May 17, 2021.
In particular, the committee continued to manage funding
levels and requirements for the nuclear deterrence mission and
nuclear enterprise, including relevant nuclear delivery
platforms and their associated warheads to ensure resources
were provided and allocated effectively and efficiently across
Department of Energy and Department of Defense. Regarding the
Department of Defense, the committee emphasized oversight of
major acquisition programs to recapitalize United States
nuclear forces and the supporting complex for decades into the
future, including but not limited to the Sentinel
intercontinental ballistic missile system, the Long-Range
Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile, and the Trident D5 submarine-
launched ballistic missile. To conduct proper oversight on
these programs, the committee met on March 18, 2021, to receive
a classified briefing on the Sentinel, LRSO, and related
warhead life extension programs.
The committee also placed emphasis on investments in
nuclear enterprise programs that fall under the purview of the
Department of Energy, including but not limited to
infrastructure investments, warhead life extension programs,
production of plutonium pits, stockpile stewardship programs,
stockpile management programs, cost savings and efficiency
initiatives, safety and security, and nuclear clean-up
activities. The committee held two hearings on this topic. On
June 10, 2021, the committee met to receive priorities for
nuclear forces and atomic energy defense activities for funding
in 2022. On May 17, 2022, a hearing reviewed the 2023 funding
request. In addition, the committee continued crucial oversight
of the nuclear command and control programs that underpin a
reliable nuclear deterrent and maintained oversight of
strategic conventional systems, such as the Common Hypersonic
Glide Body program.
The committee also monitored the National Nuclear Security
Administration's Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation activities.
The threat of nuclear weapons-grade material, technology, and
know-how remains a threat to the United States, particularly
considering new technological developments that may complicate
the cost and the ability to detect such activity. The committee
focused on United States capabilities related to detection of
proliferation and international cooperation on safeguarding and
reducing the use of nuclear-weapons grade materials. The spread
of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons-usable materials remains
a grave threat to the United States, and as such, the committee
is committed to ensuring oversight over these critical
activities and leveraging new technologies and opportunities as
they continue to rise.
Missile Defense
The committee oversaw the Department of Defense's efforts
to develop, test, and field layered missile defense
capabilities to protect the United States, its deployed forces,
and allies and partners against missile threats, including a
briefing on the capabilities of North Korea missile testing on
June 15, 2021.
The committee placed emphasis on cost-effective and
reliable missile defenses that contribute to strategic
stability by highlighting updates on the next generation
interceptor contract award on May 19th, 2021. The committee
continued to oversee U.S. homeland missile defense development,
developmental and operational testing, cyber security to
protect ballistic missile defense system data, force structure
and inventory requirements, as well as continued integration of
``left-of-launch'' capabilities, and science and technology
investments (in areas such as boost-phase intercept, space
sensor layer, and continuous improvements to discrimination).
The committee ensured oversight of major acquisition programs
that seek to recapitalize U.S. missile defenses, including but
not limited to Ground-based Midcourse Defense, the Next
Generation Interceptor program, the Glide Phase Interceptor
program, and the Defense of Guam architecture. The committee
monitored the progress of the Department of Defense
Conventional Prompt Strike program as a potential ``left-of-
launch'' capability and related policies that seek to minimize
the risk of ambiguity and miscalculation.
The committee conducted oversight of the implementation of
the 2019 and 2022 Missile Defense Reviews by the Department of
Defense and opportunities to strengthen international missile
defense cooperation with allies and partners to defend against
ballistic and cruise missiles, focusing on these during the
budget request hearings for missile programs for fiscal year
2022 on June 15, 2021, and for fiscal year 2023 on May 11,
2022.
The committee ensured oversight of the roles,
responsibilities, and acquisition policies of the Missile
Defense Agency and military services as they relate to
integrated air and missile defense. To achieve this goal, the
committee met in a closed session on February 9th, to hear
updates on the United States missile defense programs.
The committee also continued overseeing the Army's Lower
Tier Air and Missile Defense System modernization efforts,
including the Patriot weapon system, the Lower Tier Air and
Missile Defense Sensor (as that program transitions to a rapid
prototyping effort), and efforts to improve interoperability of
Army and Ballistic Missile Defense System capabilities. The
committee held extensive hearings and briefings concerning Long
Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), including a brief on May 18,
2022, and a brief on Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS)/LRHW
flight test failures on July 20, 2022.
National Security Space
The committee oversaw the national security space policies
and programs of the Department of Defense, including combat
support agencies and elements of the Department of Defense that
are also part of the intelligence community. The committee
placed unique attention on current and projected foreign space
threats and development of effective deterrence policies for
space. The committee held briefings on near peer space weapons,
including on a Russian anti-satellite weapons test, as well as
a joint hearing with House Committee on Foreign Affairs
regarding the creation of a framework for a rules-based order
in space.
The committee continued efforts to assess the Department's
space security and defense programs, including a continued push
to lesser-classify U.S. space strategy and policy and
advancements being made by near-peer adversaries in the domain.
This included oversight on space situational awareness, space
protection, space control, resilience, operationally responsive
space activities including capabilities for rapid constellation
reconstitution and replenishment and use of commercial
capabilities and international cooperation. Hearings with the
Government Accountability Office on space acquisition updates
alongside the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 national security space
budget requests, provided ample opportunity to gain insight and
improve space policy and acquisition programs.
The committee also focused on improving the organization
and management of the Space Force, and related policies that
support maintaining and improving the nation's space advantage,
addressing new threats in space, elevating the focus within the
Department on space as a warfighting domain, and creating a
culture that recognizes the importance of space for national
security. This was spearheaded with a briefing update on the
standup of Space Systems Command, to hear about the
reorganization and priorities of the command, as well as a
briefing on the Strategic Space Review, and a briefing on the
X-37B program.
The committee continued oversight of national security
space activities in support of warfighter operations and plans;
improvement of space acquisition strategies that provide
necessary warfighter capability while reducing cost and
technical risk and supporting the industrial base; maintaining
cost-effective and competitive assured access to space; efforts
to address gaps in space capabilities for key warfighter needs;
investments in science and technology to improve the
capabilities of space systems; efforts to appropriately
leverage commercial space capabilities; and, improvements of
the synchronization between satellite, ground, and terminal
acquisition programs.
Military Operations in Cyberspace Activities and Information Technology
The committee recognizes the ever-increasing cyber threats
facing the country and the criticality of ensuring that the
U.S. Armed Forces are postured to succeed in cyberspace. Over
the 117th Congress, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovation
Technologies, and Information Systems set and pursued an
aggressive oversight and legislative agenda for cyber-related
matters, building on the substantive work of previous
congresses. The subcommittee's activity necessitated
examination of the Department of Defense's operations and
capabilities and ensuring that the Department was not
compartmentalizing its cyber forces and instead creating the
necessary linkages between its cyber operations and operations
in the other warfighting domains.
The Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovation Technologies, and
Information Systems conducted more than nine hearings and
briefings on cyberspace matters alone and gathered important
information that led towards nearly 90 separate legislative
provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81) and the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA). In
Public Law 117-81, the subcommittee legislated on matters as
wide-ranging as cybersecurity for the defense industrial base
and readiness of the Cyber Mission Force. Most notably, the
subcommittee advanced provisions that mandated a comprehensive
review of cyber governance across the entirety of the
Department of Defense, improved the authorities of the
Department of Defense Chief Information Officer and the
Principal Cyber Advisor, and directed improvements to advanced
targeting processes and procedures in cyberspace.
Through the FY23 NDAA, the subcommittee developed
legislation that would continue to drive progress on a
multitude of topics and issues related to cyberspace matters
and information technology. The subcommittee took proactive
measures on cybersecurity of weapon systems and readiness of
the nation's cyber forces. The subcommittee legislated on the
establishment of an occupational specialty for Navy officers
and enlisted in cyberspace operations, as well as establishing
an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy.
Science and Technology
During the 117th Congress, the committee oversaw efforts
for the Department of Defense to foster a robust science and
technology (S&T) ecosystem to deliver the best capabilities to
the warfighter in the near-, mid-, and long-term. Specifically,
to maintain the Department's technological superiority the
committee focused on the Department's progress in adopting new
technologies, investing in S&T workforce and infrastructure,
and fostering innovation in research.
The committee continued to encourage the Department to
experiment with and adopt new technology. Specifically, the
committee developed legislation that would authorize additional
investment for the defense test and evaluation enterprise,
enhancing the Department's ability to transition increasingly
complex capabilities such as electronic warfare, hypersonics,
and artificial intelligence rapidly from the laboratory into
the hands of the warfighter. The committee also encouraged the
Department to accelerate the use of 5G technology by producing
legislation that would authorize pilot programs and task the
Department to create deployment plans. The committee believes
5G is critical to the Department's vision of connected, data-
centric warfighting. The committee also produced legislation
that would authorize the development of quantum technologies
and require the Department to map out its research in quantum
computing, which has the potential to radically advance
encryption and artificial intelligence.
For the Department to succeed in its research and
development efforts, the committee recognizes that it must have
the necessary workforce and infrastructure. To this end, the
committee developed legislation that would codify hiring
authorities for the Department to attract top S&T talent. In
addition, the committee produced legislation that would fortify
the pipeline to attract talent specializing in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This includes
increasing the Department's outreach to historically Black
colleges and universities and other minority-serving
institutions (HBCUs and MSIs), both through funding increases
specific to HBCUs and MSIs and the creation of new programs.
Specifically, the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 includes provisions that
would increase diversity and representation within the
Department in STEM-related fields and implement the
recommendations of the National Academy of Science, Engineering
and Medicine report entitled ``Defense Research Capacity at
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority
Institutions: Transitioning from Good Intentions to Measurable
Outcomes.'' This work, in concert with other efforts undertaken
during the 117th Congress, significantly advances efforts to
ensure that the Department has the innovation base and
technical workforce needed to maintain and strengthen the
country's technological advantage. The committee also continued
efforts to authorize funding and modernize policies in order to
improve S&T infrastructure. Providing and maintaining
infrastructure, both digital and brick-and-mortar, is paramount
both to attracting the best talent and accomplishing the
Department's research priorities.
Finally, the committee continued to examine ways to foster
innovation in the Department's S&T portfolio. The committee
conducted oversight of the Department's S&T activities to
ensure planning and execution of investments were aligned with
national strategies to maintain technological superiority. This
included examining the DOD's S&T proposed budget to ensure
investments were of a level appropriate to the Department's
research priorities and needs. The committee also developed
legislation that authorizes more funding for research and
development than was proposed in the budget request for fiscal
year 2023. Significantly, much of the increase would authorize
basic research needed to find the breakthrough technologies of
tomorrow. This increase would also authorize additional funding
for key technologies such as biomanufacturing,
microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and 5G. The
committee also oversaw performance of the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency, Defense Innovation Unit, and
Strategic Capabilities Office to ensure coordination,
synchronization, transition of technology, and prudent use of
fiscal resources.
ADDITIONAL OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE
Full Committee Hearings and Briefings
During the 117th Congress, the committee held a series of
budget posture hearings and briefings in preparation for the
budget requests for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The hearings
and briefings, combined with the committee's responsibility for
assembling the annual defense authorization bill, are a central
element in the discharge of the committee's oversight
responsibilities. In upholding its responsibilities to mitigate
waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of Federal Government
programs, and pursuant to House rule XI, clause 2(n), (o), and
(p), the committee met several times to conduct oversight of
Department of Defense activities, as noted elsewhere in this
report.
On February 17, 2021, the full committee met to receive
testimony on an update on the Department of Defense's evolving
roles and mission in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On
March 11, 2021, the full committee met to receive a classified
briefing on an update on the U.S. military mission in
Afghanistan and the status of the U.S. agreement to bring peace
to Afghanistan. The committee convened a hearing on June 23rd,
2021, to receive testimony from the Secretary of Defense and
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the budget request for
fiscal year 2022. To further inform its consideration of the
budget request, the committee held hearings on June 15, 2021,
June 16, 2021 and June 23, 2021 with the military services to
inform members of the details of their respective budget
requests.
To inform the committee of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine
by Russia, the committee met on January 19, 2022, to receive a
classified briefing from the Department of Defense and the
intelligence community. The committee consistently received
similar briefings over the course of 2022.
To inform its consideration of the budget request for
fiscal year 2023, the committee received testimony from the
Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff on April 5, 2022. Receiving testimony from the
Secretaries of the military departments during three hearings
on April 27, 2022, May 11, 2022, and May 12, 2022, further
updated the committee about and detailed the budget request for
fiscal year 2023.
The committee sought to continually update members on U.S.
relations and policy around the world to tailor the committee's
oversight and agenda. Topics included overviews of national
security challenges in the Greater Middle East, Africa, Europe,
the Indo-Pacific Region, and South America. In keeping with the
committee's goal and record to be proactive in addressing
threats and strategy, the committee convened a series of
hearings and briefings throughout the 117th Congress to examine
approaches to counterterrorism, nuclear deterrence policy and
posture, the role of allies and partners in U.S. military
strategy and operations, and the U.S. military mission in
Afghanistan and the implication of the Peace Process on U.S.
involvement. Competition was specifically addressed in hearings
on the Department of Defense's roles in competing with China
and long-term major state competition. Hearings focused on
other policies ranged from the Department of Defense's support
to the Southern Border to authorities and roles related to
civilian law enforcement.
To better understand strategic reassurance and deterrence
activities across the globe, the committee also held frequent
briefings to receive intelligence and operational updates on
threat developments. These briefings informed the committee of
policies toward Iran and security updates on the Korean
Peninsula, Africa, coalition service members in Afghanistan and
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. They
also informed the committee's legislative initiatives in
readiness, capabilities, infrastructure, and technology
oversight to ensure that the U.S. Armed Forces remain capable
of addressing current and emerging conventional and
unconventional threats.
Budget Oversight
Budgetary oversight during the 117th Congress by the House
Committee on Armed Services has helped ensure that the
Department of Defense is using its funding in a responsible and
effective manner. The committee has the authority to review and
approve authorizations of appropriations for the defense
budget, which includes funding for military operations, weapons
systems, and other defense-related programs.
By carefully reviewing the budget, the committee has worked
to identify potential waste or mismanagement of funds, and make
recommendations for responsible and targeted increases to
effective defense activities that are aligned with the National
Defense Strategy. That committee has helped to ensure that the
Department of Defense is using its resources wisely and
effectively, in support of the country's national security
objectives.
ADDITIONAL OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEES
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
The Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces provided
oversight of the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force,
and the Office of the Secretary of Defense acquisition programs
providing tactical aircraft and missiles; armored combat and
ground tactical vehicles; munitions; rotorcraft; tactical
communications networks; individual equipment including
weapons, night vision goggles, radios and communications
equipment, and personal protective equipment; intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms including crewed and
unmanned aerial systems; and associated support equipment,
including National Guard and Reserve equipment programs. The
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces also provided
oversight on policy, such as management of risk associated with
force structure capability and capacity requirements, as
appropriate within the subcommittee's jurisdiction. This
management of risk included current or future acquisition
programs that relate to gaps in the capabilities and capacities
required to execute current national military strategies, as
well as the allocation of acquisition resources. This also
included military service-specific distribution of acquisition
responsibilities and authorities directly relating to the
subcommittee's jurisdiction. The subcommittee also participated
in oversight of and authorization of additional resources for
the management of risk associated with industrial base
capability and capacity, especially with respect to
conventional ammunition and tactical missile munitions.
The subcommittee conducted three oversight hearings during
its consideration of the fiscal year 2022 budget request: June
7, 2021: ``Fiscal Year 2022 Army and Marine Corps Ground
Modernization Programs''; June 30, 2021: ``Fiscal Year 2022
Rotary Wing Aviation Budget Request''; July 13, 2021: ``Fiscal
Year 2022 Budget Request of the Department of Defense for
Fixed-Wing Tactical and Training Aircraft Programs.''
The subcommittee conducted three oversight hearings during
its consideration of the fiscal year 2023 budget request: April
27, 2022: ``Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request of the Department
of Defense for Fixed-Wing Tactical and Training Aircraft
Programs''; May 13, 2022: ``Fiscal Year 2023 Marine Corps
Modernization Programs''; May 17, 2022: ``Fiscal Year 2023 Army
Modernization Programs.''
In addition to oversight hearings, the subcommittee held
various briefings and events, including classified briefings. A
list of subcommittee events is provided below:
On February 11, 2021, the subcommittee met to organize for
the 117th Congress.
On February 19, 2021, the subcommittee met in closed
session to receive a briefing on Army network modernization.
On March 15, 2021, the subcommittee met in closed session
to receive a briefing on Army Program Executive Office Soldier
equipment program updates.
On March 17, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Air Force and Navy Next Generation Air
Dominance programs.
On March 23, 2021, the subcommittee met in closed session
to receive a briefing on Army Long Range Precision Fires
programs.
On April 19, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Air Force intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance programs and modernization plans.
On April 22, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
subcommittee on Readiness to receive testimony on F-35 program
accomplishments, issues, and risk.
On May 10, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a briefing
on the modernization of the ammunition industrial base.
On May 27, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on Army tactical wheeled vehicle programs and electrification
initiatives.
On July 22, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Army intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance programs.
On July 29, 2021, the subcommittee met to markup H.R. 4350,
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
On November 3, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on the Advanced Battle Management System.
On November 18, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on counter-unmanned aircraft systems
threats and solutions.
On March 31, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on updates on the modernization of conventional
ammunition production.
On April 7, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Future Vertical Lift.
On June 9, 2022, the subcommittee met to markup H.R. 7900,
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
The subcommittee considered and reported legislation that
was ultimately included in the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81). The legislation
covered a range of issues, including authorization of
appropriations for procurement programs and research,
development, test, and evaluation programs for the Departments
of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Reserve Components.
The subcommittee considered and reported legislation that
was ultimately included in James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. The legislation covered
a range of issues, including authorization of appropriations
for procurement programs and research, development, test, and
evaluation programs for the Departments of the Army, Navy, Air
Force, and the Reserve Components.
Subcommittee on Military Personnel
The Subcommittee on Military Personnel continued oversight
of military personnel, military personnel policy, the Military
Health System, family programs, as well as military pay and
compensation. The hearings and briefings held by the
subcommittee directly informed its oversight, legislative
provisions, and authorization of appropriations included in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public
Law 117-81) and the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. A list of formal
subcommittee events is provided below:
On February 18, 2021, the subcommittee received a briefing
on recruiting during a pandemic.
On March 2, 2021, the subcommittee staff received an update
on the Military Health System Reform and other health care
related issues.
On March 10, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Subcommittee on Readiness to receive testimony on privatized
military family housing and updates on the implementation of
housing reforms.
On March 16, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on the military criminal investigative organization
reform recommendations from the Fort Hood Independent Review
Committee.
On March 23, 2021, the subcommittee staff received a brief
on the feasibility and challenges for implementation of a
potential Pilot Program on Cryopreservation and Storage by the
Defense Health Agency. The brief was in response to a
requirement in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense
Authorization Act Conference Report.
On March 25, 2021, the subcommittee received an update from
the Military Service Academy's superintendents.
On April 7, 2021, the subcommittee staff received an update
on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Gender Integration.
On April 13, 2021, the subcommittee staff received an
update on the Military Health System Reform and other health
care related issues.
On April 14, 2021, the subcommittee staff received a brief
on the Longitudinal Medical Study on Blast Pressure Exposure.
This brief was in response to a requirement in the Fiscal Year
2018 National Defense Authorization Act, Section 734,
Longitudinal Medical Study on Blast Pressure Exposure of
Members of the Armed Forces.
On April 15, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony from the Department of Defense Inspector General and
the Services Inspector General's roles, responsibilities, and
opportunities for improvement.
On April 29, 2021, the subcommittee received a briefing on
Department of Defense Suicide Programs.
On May 4-6, Chair Speier and Ranking Member Banks, along
with several other Members, visited Fort Hood, Texas, to get an
update on the implementation of the recommendations made by the
Fort Hood Independent Review Commission.
On May 18, 2021, the subcommittee staff received an update
on the Military Health System Reform and other health care
related issues.
On May 25, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the military's prevention and response to domestic violence
for keeping our service members and their families safe and
ready.
On June 7-8, 2021, the subcommittee staff conducted a
familiarization visit to the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center in Glynco, Georgia, to learn more about entry-level
training for Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Air Force
Office of Special Investigations agents.
On June 15, 2021, the subcommittee staff received an update
on the Military Health System Reform and other health care
related issues.
On June 24-25, 2021, the subcommittee staff conducted a
familiarization visit to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to learn more
about entry-level training for Army's Criminal Investigation
Division agents and the Army's Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, Nuclear School.
On July 14, 2021, the subcommittee received a brief by the
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman on the Preservation of
the Force and Family Program.
On July 16, 2021, the subcommittee received a briefing on
the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the
Military recommendations and the Office of the Secretary of
Defense's implementation plan.
On July 20, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review
Commission on Sexual Assault in the military.
On July 28, 2021, the subcommittee met to mark-up H.R.
4350, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for
military activities of the Department of Defense and for
military construction, to prescribe military personnel
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
On October 12-14, 2021, the subcommittee staff conducted an
oversight visit to San Diego. Engagements included a brief by
the new San Diego Health Care Market leadership, visits to
Naval Medical Center San Diego, Naval Health Research Center
and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
On October 20, 2021, the subcommittee staff received an
update on the Military Health System Reform and other health
care related issues.
On December 7, 2021, the subcommittee received a briefing
on professional military education development.
On January 19, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on the jurisdiction, investigation, and prosecution
of sexual assault and harassment in the National Guard.
On February 8, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on military personnel talent management modernization
and the effects of legacy policies.
On March 2, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on assessing the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs.
On March 30, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on patient safety and quality of care in the Military
Health System.
On April 19-23 subcommittee staff with Chairwoman Speier
and Senator Sullivan (R-AK) conducted oversight visits at Joint
Base Elmendorf Richardson and Fort Wainwright.
On May 5, 2022, subcommittee staff conducted an oversight
visit to the USS George Washington following a series of
suicides while the ship was in Refueling Complex Overhaul in
Norfolk, Virginia.
On May 18, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on professional military education and its alignment with the
National Defense Strategy.
On June 22, 2022, the subcommittee met to markup H.R. 7900,
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for military
activities of the Department of Defense and for military
construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for
such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
On July 29, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on service members reproductive health and readiness.
On August 15-19, 2022, the subcommittee staff conducted an
oversight visit to Chicago and Nashville to visit a Military
Entrance Processing Station, Navy Recruit Command and receive
briefings on Army and Navy Recruit Marketing efforts.
On September 21, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on the implementations of the recommendations of the
Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the
Military, and on the establishment of the Office of Special
Trial Counsel.
On October 5, 2022, the subcommittee staff received a
briefing on the personnel account shortfalls in the Air Force.
On October 11, 2022, the subcommittee hosted a briefing on
the line of duty investigation in the death of Seaman (SN) Kyle
Mullen.
On October 18, 2022, the subcommittee hosted a House Armed
Services Committee Military Legislative Assistants briefing on
the line of duty death of SN Kyle Mullen.
On October 27, 2022, the subcommittee staff received a
briefing on the Department of Defense's policy issued on
October 20, 2022, on Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health
Care.
On October 31, 2022, the subcommittee staff received a
briefing on the Department of Defense Annual Suicide Report.
On November 3, 2022, the subcommittee staff received a
briefing on the medical malpractice implementation rule
provision.
On November 16, 2022, the subcommittee staff received a
briefing regarding commissary surcharges.
Subcommittee on Readiness
The Subcommittee on Readiness continued oversight of
military readiness, training, logistics, and maintenance
issues; military construction, installations, shipyard repair
facilities, and family housing issues; energy and environmental
policy and programs of the Department of Defense; and civilian
personnel and service contracting issues. The hearings and
briefings held by the subcommittee directly informed
subcommittee oversight, legislative provisions, and
authorization of appropriations included in the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81) and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act
of Fiscal Year 2023. A list of formal subcommittee events is
provided below:
On February 16, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
briefing on the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on military
readiness.
On March 10, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
subcommittee on Military Personnel to receive testimony on
military privatized housing conditions and what steps are being
taken to remedy the issue.
On March 19, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on investments in the Organic Industrial Base to
support modernization efforts.
On March 23, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on aviation, ground, and at-sea training mishaps.
On March 26, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on installation resiliency in the aftermath of Winter
Storm Uri.
On April 22, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces to receive
testimony on an update to the F-35 program.
On May 3, 2021, the subcommittee met in open session to
receive testimony on the June 20th Amphibious Assault Vehicle
Mishap Investigation.
On May 6, 2021, the subcommittee met in an open session to
receive testimony on ship and submarine maintenance depots.
On May 18, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces to receive
testimony on the current state of the mobility enterprise.
On June 9, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the military departments' Fiscal Year 2022 budget request
for military readiness.
On June 30, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces to receive a
classified briefing on the mobility capability and requirement
study.
On July 14, 2021, the subcommittee met in open session to
receive testimony on the military departments' Fiscal Year 2022
budget request for energy, installations, and environment.
On July 29, 2021, the subcommittee met in an open session
to markup H.R. 4350--Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense
Authorization Act.
On October 28th, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on the requirements, plans and resources needed to
modernize and optimize military depots from the Office of the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment, the Army, Navy,
and Air Force.
On November 17th, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing from the services on their current Force
Generation models.
On January 11, 2022, the subcommittee met in open session
to receive testimony from the Department of the Navy on the
fuel leak incident at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Facility in Hawaii.
On March 3, 2022, the subcommittee met in open session
jointly with the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
to receive testimony on the state of the surface Navy.
On March 16, 2022, the subcommittee met in open session to
receive testimony on installation management and resiliency.
On March 30, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on the strategic importance of the Red Hill
Bulk Fuel Facility.
On April 28th, 2022, the subcommittee met in open session
to receive testimony on sustainment concerns related to the F-
35 Program.
On June 9, 2022, the subcommittee met in open session to
markup H.R. 7900, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year
2023 for military activities of the Department of Defense and
for military construction, to prescribe military personnel
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
On July 19, 2022, the subcommittee met in open session to
receive a readiness program update from the military services.
On September 29, 2022, the subcommittee met in a classified
session to receive an update on logistics posture in the
Pacific.
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
The Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces provided
oversight of the Department of the Navy, the Department of the
Air Force and the Department of the Army. The subcommittee held
multiple hearings and briefings with officials from each of the
military services. The subcommittee oversaw Navy shipbuilding
programs which included new acquisition vessels as well as the
modernization of existing fleet vessels. Oversight of Navy non-
tactical aviation was also provided. In its oversight of the
Air Force, the subcommittee oversaw the acquisition and
modernization of all aerial refueling aircraft, bomber aircraft
and tactical and strategic aircraft. Finally the subcommittee
provided oversight of the Army's watercraft fleet. A list of
formal subcommittee events is provided below:
On February 17, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
briefing on Department of the Navy programs under the
subcommittee's jurisdiction.
On February 24, 2021, the subcommittee met in a closed,
unclassified session to receive a briefing on Air Force
programs under the subcommittee's jurisdiction.
On March 18, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on unmanned systems of the Department of the Navy.
On April 20, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on the Future Naval Force Study.
On April 29, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and
Nonproliferation of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to
receive testimony on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and
the ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On May 7, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a briefing
on the Marine Corps Commandant's Planning Guidance.
On May 18, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Readiness Subcommittee to receive testimony on the current
state of the mobility enterprise.
On June 8, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the Department of the Air Force's Fiscal Year 2022 budget
request for aviation programs.
On June 17, 2021, the subcommittee met in an open session
to receive testimony on the Department of the Navy's Fiscal
Year 2022 budget request.
On June 30, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Readiness Subcommittee to receive a classified briefing on the
mobility capability and requirement study.
On July 28, 2021, the subcommittee met in an open session
to markup H.R. 4350--Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense
Authorization Act.
On November 4, 2021, the subcommittee met in joint session
with the Subcommittee on Readiness for a briefing to receive
updates on the USS Bonhomme Richard Fire Investigation, and to
ask USS Bonhomme Richard leadership questions about the loss of
the ship.
On February 3, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on the USS Connecticut and Submarine
Operations in the Atlantic.
On March 31, 2022, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Subcommittee on Readiness to receive testimony on the posture
and readiness of the surface mobility enterprise.
On May 18, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Budget
Request from the U.S. Navy for Seapower and Projection Forces.
On May 19, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Budget
Request from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force for Projection
Forces Aviation Programs and Capabilities.
On June 8, 2022, the subcommittee met to markup H.R. 7900,
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for military
activities of the Department of Defense and for military
construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for
such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces continued oversight of
Department of Defense and Department of Energy policy related
to strategic deterrence, strategic stability, nuclear weapons,
strategic and nuclear arms control, nonproliferation, nuclear
safety, missile defense, and space; Department of Defense
programs and accounts related to nuclear weapons, strategic
missiles, nuclear command and control systems, Department of
Defense intelligence space, space systems and services of the
military departments, and intermediate and long-range missile
defense systems; and Department of Energy national security
programs and accounts. In total, the Subcommittee held a total
of 27 formal hearings and briefings during the 117th Congress.
The hearings and briefings held by the subcommittee directly
informed subcommittee oversight, legislative provisions, and
authorization of appropriations included in the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81) and proposed in the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2023. A list of formal
subcommittee events is provided below:
On February 23, 2021, the subcommittee met to hear
testimony on ``Near-Peer Advancements in Space and Nuclear
Weapons''.
On March 18th, 2021, the subcommittee met for an update on,
``Programmatic Update on Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent
(GBSD), Long-Range Stand Off Weapon (LRSO) and Related Warhead
Life Extension Programs.''
On March 22nd, 2021, the subcommittee met in a briefing
titled, ``Discussion with Government Accountability Office on
Space Acquisition and Program Updates.''
On April 21st, 2021, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on, ``Fiscal Year 2022 Strategic Forces Posture Hearing.''
On May 5th, 2021, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on, ``Joint House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee
& House Foreign Affairs International Development,
International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact
Subcommittee Hearing: Creating a Framework for Rules Based
Order in Space.''
On May 12, 2021, the subcommittee met for a classified
briefing with General John Hyten of the joint chiefs of staff.
On May 17, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Budget
Request for U.S. nuclear weapon and warhead modernization and
sustainment plans.
On May 19, 2021, the subcommittee met in a briefing titled,
``Next Generation Interceptor Contract Award Update.''
On May 24, 2021, the subcommittee met to hear testimony on,
``Fiscal Year 2022 Priorities for National Security Space
Programs.''
On June 10, 2021, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on, ``Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for Nuclear Forces and
Atomic Energy Defense Activities.''
On June 15, 2021, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on, ``Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for Missile Defense and
Missile Defeat Programs.''
On July 1, 2021, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing, ``Classified Briefing on Fiscal Year 2022 National
Security Space Programs.''
On July 22, 2021, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing, ``Follow-Up Classified Briefing on Fiscal Year 2022
National Security Space Programs.''
On July 28, 2021, the subcommittee met to markup HR 4350,
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
On October 21, 2021, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing on, ``North Korean Missile Testing Update and United
State Missile Defense Capabilities.''
On December 1, 2021, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing titled, ``Update on the Recent Russian Anti-Satellite
Weapon Test.''
On February 2, 2022, the subcommittee met in an
unclassified briefing to receive an update on the stand-up,
reorganization, priorities, and goals of Space Systems Command.
On February 9, 2022, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing to update members on missile defense programs.
On March 1, 2022, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on, ``Fiscal Year 2023 Strategic Forces Posture'' with a
classified briefing following.
On March 18, 2022, the subcommittee held a joint briefing
with the Cyber, Innovative Technology and Information Systems
subcommittee in closed session for a briefing of Department of
Defense hypersonic efforts.
On April 6, 2022, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on, ``National Security Space Programs'' with a classified
briefing following on national security space activities.
On May 11, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on, ``Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for Missile Defense and
Missile Defeat Programs'' with a classified briefing following.
On May 17, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on, ``Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Nuclear Forces and Atomic
Energy Defense Activities'' with a classified briefing
following the hearing.
On June 8, 2022, the subcommittee met to consider the
Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA Strategic Forces Subcommittee Markup.
On July 20, 2022, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing to receive an update on the recent failure experienced
during the last Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS)/Long Range
Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) flight test.
On September 15, 2022, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing to receive an update from Department officials on the
X-37B program.
On November 15, 2022, the subcommittee met in a classified
briefing to receive a briefing on the Strategic Space Review.
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations
The Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations
conducted oversight over Department of Defense policy and
programs and accounts related to military intelligence,
national intelligence, countering weapons of mass destruction,
counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, other sensitive
military operations, and special operations forces. Oversight
in the 117th Congress was especially focused on Department of
Defense efforts to counter foreign malign activities in the
gray zone and related intelligence and special operations
activities. To further this effort, in the conference report
accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81), the conferees directed the
Government Accountability Office to submit a study on the
capabilities of the United States to conduct and respond to
gray zone campaigns.
In total, the subcommittee held a total of 24 formal
hearings and briefings during the 117th Congress. The hearings
and briefings held by the subcommittee directly informed
subcommittee oversight, legislative provisions, and
authorization of appropriations included in the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-
81) and proposed in the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2023.
A list of formal subcommittee events is provided below:
On February 19, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
briefing on Chinese threat dynamics.
On February 24, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a top
secret briefing on counterintelligence and foreign intelligence
threats targeting the United States military.
On March 16, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on disinformation in the gray zone: opportunities,
limitations, and challenges.
On March 26, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony on special operations forces culture and climate.
On April 16, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on a counterterrorism quarterly update.
On May 4, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on reviewing department of defense strategy, policy, and
programs for countering weapons of mass destruction for fiscal
year 2022.
On May 12, 2021, the subcommittee met for a briefing with
the European Centre of Excellence on countering hybrid threats.
On May 18, 2021, the subcommittee met for a classified
discussion on cover modernization and ubiquitous technical
surveillance.
On June 11, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the fiscal year 2022 defense intelligence enterprise.
On June 17, 2021, the subcommittee met for a classified
briefing update from the unidentified aerial phenomena task
force.
On July 21, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the fiscal year 2022 budget request for United States
special operations forces and command.
On July 29, 2021, the subcommittee met to markup H.R. 4350,
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
On November 2, 2021, the subcommittee met for a classified
briefing update on project maven.
On November 5, 2021, the subcommittee met for a
counterterrorism quarterly update.
On January 20, 2022, the subcommittee met for a briefing on
key challenges within the CWMD (Countering Weapons of Mass
Destruction) enterprise.
On March 2, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
classified briefing on the current and projected state of
global counterterrorism and irregular threats facing the United
States.
On March 17, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony in an open hearing with a closed session following
about the defense intelligence priorities and reforms to better
support the warfighter and policy makers.
On April 1, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on examining the roles, responsibilities, and authorities
governing the Department of Defense Chemical and Biological
Defense Programs; and how the Department is postured and
resourced to address the most pressing of these threats.
On April 28, 2022, the subcommittee met to hear testimony
on the fiscal year 2023 budget request for United States
Special Operations Forces and United States Special Operations
Command.
On June 9, 2022, the subcommittee met to markup H.R. 7900,
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for military
activities of the Department of Defense.
On September 20, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
briefing on the circumstances surrounding the death of SEAL
(Sea, Air, and Land) Candidate Kyle Mullen during Basic
Underwater Demolition/SEAL training on February 4, 2022.
On September 21, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
quarterly classified briefing on the current and projected
state of global counterterrorism threats facing the United
States and activities conducted by the Department of Defense to
counter those threats.
On October 13, 2022, the subcommittee met for an
unclassified briefing to receive updates on the circumstances
surrounding the death of SEAL Candidate Kyle Mullen during
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training on February 4, 2022.
On October 14, 2022, the subcommittee met for a duplicate
unclassified briefing (same brief as 10/13) to receive updates
on the circumstances surrounding the death of SEAL Candidate
Kyle Mullen during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training on
February 4th, 2022.
On December 7, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
quarterly classified briefing on the current and projected
state of global counterterrorism threats facing the United
States and activities conducted by the Department of Defense to
counter those threats.
Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems
The Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and
Information Systems conducted oversight of Department of
Defense policy related to science and technology, cybersecurity
and cyber and operations, information technology, artificial
intelligence, information operations, spectrum, and
electromagnetic spectrum operations.
The hearings and briefings held by the subcommittee
directly informed subcommittee oversight, legislative
provisions, and authorization of appropriations included in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public
Law 117-81) and considered in the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
A list of formal subcommittee events is provided below:
On February 16, 2021, the subcommittee met to organize for
the 117th Congress.
On February 23, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony from outside experts on innovation opportunities and
vision for the Department of Defense science and technology
enterprise.
On March 12, 2021, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Committee on Oversight and Reform subcommittee on National
Security to receive testimony on the final recommendations of
the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
On March 19, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony from outside experts on Department of Defense
electromagnetic spectrum operations.
On March 22, 2021, the subcommittee met in closed session
to receive a briefing on Department of Defense operations in
cyberspace, authorities, and policy issues.
On April 14, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Department of Defense military
operations in cyberspace.
On April 30, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive
testimony from outside experts on technology and information
warfare.
On May 6, 2021, the subcommittee met for a roundtable
discussion on issues relating to spectrum management and
divestiture.
On May 14, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on operations in cyberspace and building cyber capabilities
across the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2022.
On May 20, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the Department of Defense's science and technology strategy,
policy, and programs for fiscal year 2022.
On June 8, 2021, the subcommittee met for a closed
roundtable briefing with telecommunication providers for a
discussion on issues related to spectrum.
On June 29, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on the Department of Defense's information technology,
cybersecurity, and information assurance for fiscal year 2022.
On July 22, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Department of Defense military
operations in cyberspace.
On July 28, 2021, the subcommittee met to mark up H.R.
4350, a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023
for military activities of the Department of Defense, set U.S.
national security priorities for fiscal year 2023, and for
other purposes.
On October 27, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Department of Defense military
operations in cyberspace.
On December 2, 2021, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on microelectronics.
On January 19, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Department of Defense military
operations in cyberspace.
On March 8, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Assault Breaker II.
On March 18, 2022, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces to receive a classified
briefing on hypersonic efforts.
On March 29, 2022, the subcommittee met jointly with the
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations to receive
a classified briefing on information operations.
On April 5, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on operations in cyberspace and building cyber capabilities
across the Department of Defense.
On May 12, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on Department of Defense science and technology strategy,
policy, and programs for Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request.
On May 18, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive testimony
on Department of Defense information technology, digital
developments, and artificial intelligence for Fiscal Year 2023
National Defense Authorization Budget Request.
On June 8, 2022, the subcommittee met to mark up H.R. 7900,
a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, set U.S.
national security priorities for fiscal year 2023, and for
other purposes.
On July 27, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Department of Defense military
operations in cyberspace.
On September 20, 2022, the subcommittee met to receive a
classified briefing on Department of Defense military
operations in cyberspace.
The subcommittee also planned but was unable to proceed
with the following events: a briefing on Department of Defense
activities related to microelectronics and a hearing on current
Department of Defense information operations.
PUBLICATIONS
HOUSE REPORTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report Number Date Filed Bill Number Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Rept. 117-118. September 10, 2021... H.R. 4350.... National
Defense
Authorization
Act for Fiscal
Year 2022
H. Rept. 117-118 September 17, 2021... H.R. 4350.... National
Part 2. Defense
Authorization
Act for Fiscal
Year 2022
H. Rept. 117-397. July 1 2022.......... H.R. 7900.... National
Defense
Authorization
Act for Fiscal
Year 2023
H. Rept. 117-397, July 7, 2022......... H.R. 7900.... National
Part 2. Defense
Authorization
Act for Fiscal
Year 2023
H. Rept. 117-647. December 16, 2022.... H. Res. 1475. Of inquiry
requesting the
President and
directing the
Secretary of
Defense to
transmit to
the House of
Representative
s any record
created on or
after January
21, 2021,
under the
control of the
President or
the Secretary,
respectively,
that refers to
the Department
of Defense and
includes
certain terms
and phrases
relating to
gender
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PRINTS
Committee Print No. 1--Rules of the Committee on Armed
Services, House of Representatives of the United States, 117th
Congress 2021-2022, adopted February 3, 2021.
Committee Print No. 2--National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2022. Legislative Text and Joint Explanatory
Statement to accompany S. 1605 (Public Law 117-81). December
2021.
PUBLISHED PROCEEDINGS
H.A.S.C. No. 117-1--Full Committee Organizational Meeting
for the 117th Congress (02/03/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-2--Full Committee Hearing: An Update on
the Department of Defense's Evolving Roles and Mission in
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (02/17/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-3--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Innovation
Opportunities and Vision for the Science and Technology
Enterprise (02/23/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-4--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Near-Peer Advancements in Space and Nuclear Weapons
(02/23/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-5--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in the Indo-
Pacific (03/10/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-6--Joint Subcommittees on Readiness and
Military Personnel Hearing: Privatized Military Family Housing:
Update on Implementation of Housing Reforms (03/10/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-7--Joint Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems and Committee on
Oversight and Reform Hearing: Final Recommendations of the
National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (03/12/
2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-8--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Disinformation in the Gray Zone:
Opportunities, Limitations, and Challenges (03/16/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-9--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Military Criminal Investigative Organization Reform
Recommendations from the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee
(03/16/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-10--Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces Hearing: Unmanned Systems of the Department
of the Navy (03/18/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-11--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Investing in an Organic Industrial Base to Support Service
Modernization Plans (03/19/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-12--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Department of
Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations: Challenges and
Opportunities in the Invisible Battlespace (03/19/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-13--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Learning From and Preventing Future Training Mishaps (03/23/
2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-14--Full Committee Hearing: Extremism in
the Armed Forces (03/24/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-15--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: SOF Culture and Climate: The Future
of the Force (03/26/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-16--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Installation Resiliency: Lessons Learned from Winter Storm Uri
and Beyond (03/26/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-17--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activity in North and
South America (04/14/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-18--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in Europe (04/
15/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-19--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Department of Defense Inspector General and the
Services Inspector Generals: Roles, Responsibilities and
Opportunities for Improvement (04/15/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-20--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in the Greater
Middle East and Africa (04/20/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-21--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Strategic Forces Posture Hearing (04/21/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-22--Joint Subcommittees on Tactical Air
and Land Forces and Readiness Hearing: Update on F-35 Program
Accomplishments, Issues, and Risks (04/22/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-23--Full Committee Hearing: The Department
of Defense's Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness Plan:
Fiscal Year 2020 Audit Results and the Path Forward (04/28/
2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-24--Joint Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces and Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific,
Central Asia, and Nonproliferation Hearing: Maritime Security
in the Indo-Pacific and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
(04/29/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-25--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Technology and
Information Warfare: The Competition for Influence and the
Department of Defense (04/30/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-26--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing: The
AAV Mishap Investigation: How to Build a Culture of Safety to
Avoid Preventable Training Accidents (05/03/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-27--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Reviewing Department of Defense
Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Countering Weapons of Mass
Destruction for Fiscal Year 2022 (05/04/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-28--Full Committee Hearing: Member Day
(05/05/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-29--Joint Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
and House Committee on Foreign Affairs Hearing: Creating a
Framework for Rules Based Order in Space (05/05/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-30--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Ship and Submarine Maintenance: Sustainment Considerations for
a Changing Fleet (05/06/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-31--Full Committee Hearing: An Update on
Afghanistan (05/12/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-32--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Operations in
Cyberspace and Building Cyber Capabilities Across the
Department of Defense (05/14/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-33--Joint Subcommittees on Readiness and
Seapower and Projection Forces Hearing: Posture and Readiness
of the Mobility Enterprise (05/18/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-34--Full Committee Hearing:
Recommendations of the National Commission on Military,
National, and Public Service (05/19/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-35--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Reviewing
Department of Defense Science and Technology Strategy, Policy,
and Programs for Fiscal Year 2022: Fostering a Robust Ecosystem
for Our Technological Edge (05/20/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-36--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Priorities for National Security
Space Programs (05/24/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-37--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Keeping Our Service Members and Their Families Safe
and Ready: The Military's Prevention and Response to Domestic
Violence (05/25/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-38--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Army Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Program Update
and Review of Electrification (05/27/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-39--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Army and Marine Corps Ground
Systems Modernization Programs (06/07/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-40--Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces Hearing: Air Force Projection Forces Aviation
Programs and Capabilities Related to 2022 President's Budget
Request (06/08/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-41--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for Military Readiness (06/09/
2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-42--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for Nuclear Forces and
Atomic Energy Defense Activities (06/10/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-43--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Defense
Intelligence Enterprise Posture Hearing (06/11/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-44--Full Committee Hearing: Department of
the Navy Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request (06/15/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-45--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Priorities for Missile Defense and
Missile Defeat Programs (06/15/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-46--Full Committee Hearing: Department of
the Air Force Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request (06/16/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-47--Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces Hearing: Department of the Navy Fiscal Year
2022 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces (06/17/
2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-48--Full Committee Hearing: The Fiscal
Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from
the Department of Defense (06/23/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-49--Full Committee Hearing: The Fiscal
Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the
Department of the Army (06/29/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-50--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Department of
Defense Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Information
Assurance for Fiscal Year 2022 (06/29/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-51--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Rotary Wing Aviation Budget
Request (06/30/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-52--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request of the
Department of Defense for Fixed-Wing Tactical and Training
Aircraft Programs (07/13/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-53--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for Military Construction,
Energy, and Environmental Programs (07/14/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-54--Full Committee Hearing: Non-
Governmental Views on the Fiscal Year 2022 Department of
Defense Budget (07/20/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-55--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: The Findings and Recommendations of the Independent
Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (07/20/
2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-56--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for
U.S. Special Operations Forces and Command (07/21/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-57--Full Committee Hearing: Ending the
U.S. Military Mission in Afghanistan (09/29/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-58--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Depot Modernization and Optimization (10/28/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-59--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Minding the Gap: How Operational Energy Can Help Us Address
Logistics Challenges (12/02/2021)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-60--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing: Red
Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility: The Current Crisis, the
Response, and the Way Forward (01/11/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-61--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Jurisdiction, Investigation, and Prosecution of Sexual
Assault and Harassment in the National Guard (01/19/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-62--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Military Personnel Talent Management Modernization and
the Effects of Legacy Policies (02/08/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-63--Full Committee Hearing: Engagement
with Allies and Partners (03/01/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-64--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Strategic Forces Posture Hearing (03/
01/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-65--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Assessing the Effectiveness of Suicide Prevention
Programs (03/02/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-66--Joint Subcommittees on Seapower and
Projection Forces and Readiness Hearing: State of the Surface
Navy (03/03/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-67--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activity in North and
South America (03/08/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-68--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in the Indo-
Pacific Region (03/09/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-69--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Energy, Installations and Environment Program Update (03/16/
2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-70--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in the Greater
Middle East and Africa (03/17/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-71--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Defense Intelligence Posture to
Support the Warfighter and Policy Makers (03/17/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-72--Full Committee Hearing: National
Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in Europe (03/
30/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-73--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Patient Safety and Quality of Care in the Military
Health System (03/30/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-74--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Updates on Modernization of Conventional
Ammunition Production (03/31/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-75--Joint Subcommittees on Seapower and
Projection Forces and Readiness Hearing: Posture and Readiness
of the Mobility Enterprise (03/31/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-76--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Hearing to Review
Department of Defense Strategy, Policy, and Programs for
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (04/01/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-77--Full Committee Hearing: Fiscal Year
2023 Defense Budget Request (04/05/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-78--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Operations in
Cyberspace and Building Cyber Capabilities Across the
Department of Defense (04/05/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-79--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Strategic Forces National Security
Space Programs (04/06/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-80--Full Committee Hearing: Department of
the Air Force Fiscal Year 2023 Budget (04/27/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-81--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request of the
Department of Defense for Fixed-Wing Tactical and Training
Aircraft Programs (04/27/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-82--Full Committee Hearing: Member Day
(04/28/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-83--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing: F
35 Sustainment (04/28/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-84--Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Special Operations Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Hearing to Review
the Budget Request for U.S. Special Operations Forces and
Command (04/28/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-85--Full Committee Hearing: Fiscal Year
2023 Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Navy
(05/11/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-86--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Strategic Forces Missile Defense and
Missile Defeat Programs (05/11/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-87--Full Committee Hearing: Department of
the Army Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request (05/12/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-88--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Reviewing
Department of Defense Science and Technology Strategy, Policy,
and Programs for Fiscal Year 2023: Accelerating the Pace of
Innovation (05/12/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-89--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Marine Corps Modernization
Programs (05/13/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-90--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land
Forces Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Army Modernization Programs
(05/17/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-91--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Hearing: Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Nuclear Forces and Atomic
Energy Defense Activities (05/17/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-92--Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces Hearing: Department of the Navy Fiscal Year
2023 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces (05/18/
2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-93--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative
Technologies, and Information Systems Hearing: Department of
Defense Information Technology, Digital Developments, and
Artificial Intelligence for Fiscal Year 2023 (05/18/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-94--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Professional Military Education and the National
Defense Strategy (05/18/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-95--Subcommittee on Seapower and
Projection Forces Hearing: Air Force Projection Forces Aviation
Programs and Capabilities related to the FY2023 President's
Budget Request (05/19/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-96--Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing:
Fiscal Year 2023 Readiness Program Update (07/19/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-97--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Service Members' Reproductive Health and Readiness
(07/29/2022)
H.A.S.C. No. 117-98--Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Hearing: Update on the Implementation of Recommendations of the
Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military
and the Establishment of the Office of Special Trial Counsel
(09/21/2022)
PRESS RELEASES
First Session
JANUARY 2021
1/1/2021--Smith Statement on Final FY21 NDAA Veto Override
Vote
1/6/2021--Smith Statement on Capitol Campus Insurrection
1/7/2021--Five House Committees Seek Urgent Briefing on
FBI's Plans to Bring to Justice Those Involved in Incitement
and Assault on U.S. Capitol
1/8/2021--Smith Reiterates Support for Nomination of
Secretary-designate Austin
1/11/2021--Smith Criticizes State Department Decision to
Designate Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization
1/12/2021--Chairs Issue Statement After FBI Briefing on
Investigation of `Siege of the U.S. Capitol' and Preparations
for Inauguration
1/15/2021--Smith Introduces Legislation to Provide
Exception for Secretary of Defense Designate
1/16/2021--Smith Denounces Trump Administration's Reckless
Yemen Policy
1/21/2021--Smith Statement on Member Roundtable with
Secretary of Defense Designate Austin
1/25/2021-Smith Applauds Biden Administration's Reversal of
the Unconstitutional Trans Ban
1/26/2021--Smith, Cooper Praise Biden Administration's Work
to Extend New START Treaty
1/26/2021--HASC Schedule: February 1-5
1/28/2021--Smith Announces Democratic HASC Members for
117th Congress
FEBRUARY 2021
2/3/2021--Smith, Rogers Announce HASC Subcommittee
Assignments, Chairs, and Ranking Members
2/3/2021--Smith, Langevin Announce New Subcommittee for the
117th Congress
2/3/2021--Smith, Gallego Announce New Subcommittee for the
117th Congress
2/3/2021--Smith Congratulates Representative Luria on
Election as Vice Chair of the Armed Services Committee
2/10/2021--HASC Schedule: February 15-19
2/12/2021--Armed Services Committees Leadership Announces
Selections for Commission on Removing Confederate Symbols and
Names from U.S. Military Assets
2/16/2021--HASC Schedule: February 22-262/26/2021--Smith
Statement on Defensive Strike Against Iran-Backed Militia
MARCH 2021
3/3/2021--HASC Schedule: March 8-12
3/3/2021--Smith Comments on Biden's Declassification of
Intel Report on the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
3/4/2021--House Armed Services Committee Stands Up
Acquisition Task Force
3/8/2021--Smith Announces Additional Selection for
Commission on Removing Confederate Symbols and Names from U.S.
Military Assets
3/9/2021--HASC Schedule: March 15-19
3/9/2021--Smith, Biden Agree: Time to Repeal 2002 AUMF is
Now
3/11/2021--Smith, Rogers Call for a Measured Drawdown of
National Guard Deployment to the Capitol
3/12/2021--UPDATED HASC Schedule: March 15-19
3/17/2021--HASC Schedule: March 22-26
3/19/2021--UPDATED HASC Schedule: March 22-26
3/19/2021--House Committee Chairs Send Letters Seeking
Documents About January 6 Attack on U.S. Capitol
3/31/2021--Smith Commends Biden Administration's Support
for Transgender Service Members
APRIL 2021
4/7/2021--HASC Schedule: April 12-16
4/12/2021--House Armed Services and Science Committee
Chairs Look to Collaborate with President Biden to Address
Risks to US Research Enterprise
4/12/2021--Smith Statement on Wormuth's Historic Nomination
4/14/2021--HASC Schedule: April 19-23
4/14/2021--Smith Statement on Updated Afghanistan Troop
Withdrawal Date
4/15/2021--Chairman Smith, Senator Warren Introduce ``No
First Use'' Bill for Nuclear Weapons
4/15/2021--Smith Commends President Biden for Holding
Russia Accountable
4/22/2021--HASC Schedule: April 26-30
4/26/2021--HASC Schedule: May 3-7
4/27/2021--Smith Praises Biden Administration's Nominees to
Lead the United States Air Force
4/28/2021--Updated HASC Schedule: May 3-7
4/30/2021--Smith Applauds President Biden For Prioritizing
Service Members
MAY 2021
5/5/2021--HASC Schedule: May 10-14
5/11/2021--HASC Schedule: May 17-21
5/12/2021--Smith Statement on the Violence in Israel
5/17/2021--Smith Renews Call for Ceasefire between Hamas
and Israel
5/17/2021--HASC Schedule: May 24-28
5/21/2021--Smith Statement on Ceasefire between Israel and
Hamas
5/28/2021--Smith Statement on the Fiscal Year 2022 Defense
Department Budget Request
5/28/2021--Updated HASC Schedule: June 7-11
JUNE 2021
6/1/2021--HASC Schedule: June 14-18
6/11/2021--Smith Applauds Del Toro's Nomination to Lead the
United States Navy
6/11/2021--Smith Commends Biden-Harris Administration for
Redirecting Border Wall Funds and Reprioritizing Military
Construction
6/15/2021--Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers
Announce Markup Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense
Authorization Act
6/16/2021--HASC Schedule: June 21-25
6/17/2021--Smith Statement on Bipartisan Vote to Repeal the
2002 AUMF
6/22/2021--HASC Schedule: June 28-July 2
6/23/2021--Smith on Sexual Assault in the Military: Serious
Action is Overdue, Time to Act is Now
6/29/2021--Chairs Smith, Maloney, Lynch, Garamendi, and
McCollum Lead Colleagues in Demanding Navy Suspend Cuts to
Naval Audit Service
JULY 2021
7/2/2021--Smith, Rogers Introduce ``By Request'' Bill and
Begin FY22 National Defense Authorization Act Process
7/2/2021--Smith Welcomes Recommendations of the Independent
Review Commission on Sexual Assault
7/6/2021--HASC Schedule: July 12-16
7/8/2021--Chairman Smith to Speak at Naval Postgraduate
School on Advancing Defense Technological Leadership
7/8/2021--Smith Reiterates Support for President Biden's
Decision to end the Country's Longest War
7/14/2021--HASC Schedule: July 19-23
7/21/2021--TOMORROW: Defense Critical Supply Chain Task
Force to Unveil Final Report at the Center for a New American
Security
7/22/2021--Defense Critical Supply Chain Task Force
Releases Final Report
7/22/2021--Smith Praises Passage of H.R. 3985 the Averting
Loss of Life and Injury by Expediting SIVs (ALLIES) Act
7/23/2021--ADVISORY: HASC Subcommittee Markup Press
Background Briefings
7/27/2021--Military Personnel Mark Summary for H.R. 4350
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
7/27/2021--Seapower and Projection Forces Mark Summary for
H.R. 4350 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2022
7/27/2021--Strategic Forces Mark Summary for H.R. 4350
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
7/27/2021--Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information
Systems Mark Summary for H.R. 4350 National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
7/27/2021--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
Mark Summary for H.R. 4350 National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2022
7/28/2021--Subcommittee on Readiness Mark Summary for H.R.
4350 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
7/28/2021--Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special
Operations Mark Summary for H.R. 4350 National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
7/30/2021--Smith Statement on the Passing of Senator Levin
AUGUST 2021
8/9/2021--Smith Urges Biden-Harris Administration to
Prioritize Deterrence over Domination in Nuclear Posture Review
8/9/2021--Smith Commends Mandatory Vaccination for Service
Members
8/12/2021--Smith Statement on the Reduction of United
States Embassy in Kabul Staff
8/20/2021--Smith Statement on the Ongoing Situation in
Afghanistan
8/23/2020--Smith Reiterates Support for Mandatory
Vaccination for Service Members
8/23/2021--HASC to Distribute NDAA Amendments
8/25/2021--H.R. 4350 National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 Full Committee Markup Press Background
Briefing
8/25/2021--HASC Subcommittee Marks as Reported for H.R.
4350 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
8/30/2021--Chairman Smith Releases H.R. 4350 National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
28/31/20211--Smith Statement on the End of the Afghanistan
War
SEPTEMBER 2021
9/2/2021--Chairman Smith on the Committee's Passage of the
FY22 NDAA
9/11/2021--Smith Statement on the Anniversary of September
11
9/20/2021--Smith Statement on the Biden-Harris
Administration's Efforts to Stop Violence in Northern Ethiopia
9/20/2021--Smith Statement on a Decade Since the End of
`Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
9/21/2021--Annual Defense Bill Comes to the House Floor
9/22/2021--HASC Schedule: September 27-October 1
9/23/2021--Democratic-Led House Passes Annual Defense Bill
for the 61st Consecutive Year
OCTOBER 2021
10/5/2021--Smith Commends Mandatory Vaccination for
Civilian Personnel at the Department of Defense
10/18/2021--Smith Statement on the Passing of Colin Powell
10/21/2021--HASC Schedule: October 25-29
NOVEMBER 2021
11/16/2021--The Facts: Investing in the Right Tools for
Strategic Competition
11/16/2021--Smith Statement on the Retirement of
Congresswoman Jackie Speier
11/16/2021--Smith Statement on Russian Anti-Satellite Test
11/24/2021--HASC Schedule: November 29-December 3
DECEMBER 2021
12/6/2021--***POSTPONED*** Bipartisan, Bicameral FY22 NDAA
Background Briefing
12/7/2021--HASC, SASC Release Text of FY22 NDAA Agreement
12/7/2021--Democratic-Led House Passes Bipartisan,
Bicameral NDAA Agreement
12/10/2021--Smith Statement on the FY22 NDAA's
Transformative Reforms for Military Justice and Accountability
12/10/2021--What They Are Saying: FY22 NDAA Uniform Code of
Military Justice (UCMJ) Reforms Receive High Praise from
Advocates
12/13/2021--The Facts: Delivering Real Reforms to Address
the Military Sexual Assault Crisis
12/17/2021--The Facts: How the FY22 NDAA Invests in
America's Diverse Talent Pool
2/27/20211--Smith Statement as the FY22 NDAA Is Signed Into
Law Second Session
JANUARY 2022
1/4/2022--Updated HASC Schedule: January 10-14
1/12/2022--HASC Schedule: January 17-21
1/18/2022--Smith Statement on the Retirement of Congressman
Jim Langevin
1/21/2022--Smith, Speier, Takano Call on Secretary Austin
and Secretary Cisneros to Launch Historical Review and Survey
on LGBTQ+ Military Inclusion
1/21/2022--Smith Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of
the End of Unconstitutional Ban on Transgender Military Service
1/25/2022--Smith Statement on the Retirement of Congressman
Jim Cooper
FEBRUARY 2022
2/1/2022--Services Committees Leadership Announces
Selections for Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting,
and Execution Reform
2/1/2022--HASC Schedule: February 7-11
2/3/2022--Smith Statement on ISIS Leader Special Operation
2/21/2022--Smith Condemns Russian Actions
2/23/2022--HASC Schedule: February 28-March 4
2/24/2022--Smith Strongly Condemns Putin for Further
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
2/25/2022--MARCH 3: Rep. Adam Smith to Speak on America's
National Security Priorities
2/26/2022--Smith Reiterates Support for Aid to Ukraine,
Accountability for Putin
2/28/2022--Smith Announces HASC Senior Staff Transitions
MARCH 2022
3/2/2022--HASC Schedule: March 7-11
3/8/2022--Updated HASC Schedule: March 14-18
3/8/2022--Smith Praises Biden Administration Decision to
Ban Russian Oil Imports
3/16/2022--Armed Services Committees Leadership Announces
Selections for Commission on the Strategic Posture of the
United States
3/16/2022--Smith Reacts to President Zelenskyy's Virtual
Address to Congress
3/17/2022--Armed Services Committees Leadership Announces
Selections for National Security Commission on Emerging
Biotechnology
3/17/2022--Smith Praises House Passage of Legislation to
Hold Russia Accountable and Support Ukraine
3/18/2022--Smith, Rogers Urge Defense Department to
Replenish U.S. and Allied Stocks of Stingers
3/23/2022--Smith Statement on Passing of Former Secretary
of State Madeleine Albright
3/23/2022--[Updated] HASC Schedule: March 28-April 1
3/29/2022--Smith Statement on the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense
Budget Request
3/30/2022--HASC Schedule: April 4-8
3/30/2022--Chairman Smith and Scott Lead Letter to Offer
Recommendations for Addressing Food Insecurity in the U.S.
Military
APRIL 2022
4/1/20221--Armed Services Committees Leadership Announces
Selections for Afghanistan War Commission
4/2/2022--Smith Statement on Yemen Truce
4/6/2022--Smith Supports New Consequences for Putin's War
4/19/2022--Smith Concludes Congressional Delegation to
Australia, India
4/21/2022--[UPDATED] HASC Schedule: April 25-29
4/28/2022--Smith Statement on President Biden's
Supplemental Request for Ukraine Assistance
MAY 2022
5/4/2022--[UPDATED] HASC Schedule: May 9-13
5/10/2022--Smith Praises House Passage of Supplemental Aid
Package for Ukraine
5/10/2022--Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers
Announce Markup Schedule for FY23 NDAA
5/10/2022--[UPDATED] HASC Schedule: May 16-20
5/18/2022--A Services, Oversight, and Intelligence
Committee Chairs on Report Finding Retaliation Against
Lieutenant Colonel Yevgeny Vindman
5/21/2022--Smith Statement as President Biden Signs
Supplemental Aid Package for Ukraine
5/24/2022--Smith Welcomes Results from Commission on
Removing Confederate Symbols and Names from Military Assets
5/25/2022--Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers
Announce Updated Markup Schedule for FY23 NDAA
5/27/2022--Smith Introduces ``By Request'' Bill for FY23
NDAA
5/30/2022--Smith Statement on Memorial Day
JUNE 2022
6/1/2022--HASC Subcommittee Markup Press Background
Briefings
6/2/2022--Smith Welcomes Extension of Yemen Truce
6/6/2022--Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers Announce
Updated Markup Schedule for FY23 NDAA
6/6/2022--Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies,
and Information Systems Mark for H.R. 7900 National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
6/7/2022--Subcommittee on Strategic Forces Mark for H.R.
7900 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
6/7/2022--Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
Mark for H.R. 7900 National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023
6/7/2022--FY 2020 Chairman Smith, Senior House National
Security Leaders Outline Priorities for Recalibrating U.S.-
Saudi Relationship in Letter to President Biden
6/7/20221--Subcommittee on Military Personnel Mark for H.R.
7900 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
6/8/2022--Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special
Operations Mark for H.R. 7900 National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023
6/8/2022--Subcommittee on Readiness Mark for H.R. 7900
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
6/8/2022--Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces Mark
for H.R. 7900 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023
6/13/2022--HASC to Distribute FY23 NDAA Amendments
6/13/2022--Chairman Smith Statement on the Importance of
Passing the FY20 NDAA Without Offsets
6/14/2022--H.R. 7900 National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 Full Committee Markup Press Background
Briefing
6/15/2022--Smith Statement on New PFAS Health Advisories
6/20/2022--Chairman Smith Releases Mark for FY23 NDAA
6/22/2022--Smith Statement on Proposal to Increase
Discretionary Topline for Defense
6/23/2022--Chairman Smith on the Armed Services Committee's
Passage of the FY23 NDAA
JULY 2022
7/12/2022--HASC Schedule: July 18-22
7/13/2022--Smith Statement As Annual Defense Bill Comes to
the House Floor
7/14/2022--Smith Statement on the House Passage of FY23
NDAA
7/22/2022--HASC Schedule: July 25-July 29
7/23/2022--Smith Condemns Russian Strikes on Odesa
7/23/2022--Smith, Congressional Delegation Statement
Following Meeting with President Zelenskyy in Ukraine
AUGUST 2022
8/1/2022--Smith Statement on Successful al-Qaida Leader
Strike
8/3/2022--Smith Statement on Two Month Extension of Yemen
Truce
8/16/2022--Smith Discusses One-Year Anniversary of
Afghanistan Withdrawal on MSNBC
8/19/2022--The Facts: Afghanistan, One Year Later
8/24/2022--Smith Statement on Six-Month Anniversary of
Russia's Further Invasion of Ukraine
8/24/2022--Smith Statement on U.S. Strikes in Syria
8/30/2022--Smith Marks One-Year Anniversary of U.S.
Military Withdrawal from Afghanistan
SEPTEMBER 2022
9/6/2022--Smith Concludes Congressional Delegation to
Japan, Indonesia
9/14/2022--HASC Schedule: September 19-23
9/19/2022--Smith Welcomes Final Report from Commission on
Removing Confederate Symbols and Names from Military Assets
9/30/2022--Smith Condemns Lawless Russian Attempts to Annex
Sovereign Ukrainian Territory
OCTOBER 2022
10/6/2022--Smith Praises U.S. Support for Ukraine,
Highlights Ukraine's Battlefield Success
10/10/2022--Smith Concludes Congressional Delegation to
Spain, Greece, Croatia, and Portugal
10/12/2022--Smith Welcomes Biden Administration's National
Security Strategy
10/20/2022--Smith Statement on the DoD's Latest
Reproductive Care Memo
10/25/2022--Smith Statement on the Passing of Ash Carter
10/27/2022--Smith Praises the Defense Department's 2022
Strategic Reviews
DECEMBER 2022
12/6/2022--HASC and SASC Release Text of FY23 NDAA
Agreement
12/8/2022--Democratic-Led House Passes Bipartisan,
Bicameral NDAA Agreement
12/12/2022--House Armed Services Committee Markup of H.
Res. 1475