Tag: house armed services committee
9 articles

US Lawmakers Probe A-10 Revitalization with AI, Electronic Warfare Gear
US lawmakers are exploring ways to breathe new life into the A-10 Thunderbolt II with cutting-edge tech, including artificial intelligence and electronic warfare gear, to boost its performance and relevance. The fate of the Warthog and its critical missions hangs in the balance, making this potential upgrade a high-stakes endeavor.

Lawmakers Press Navy to Accelerate Drone Boat Deployments
The House Armed Services Committee is pushing the Navy to speed up its drone boat deployments, driven by urgent demands from combat zones worldwide. The committee's draft defense policy bill requires the Navy to create a comprehensive plan for buying, maintaining, and operating small unmanned surface vessels.

Lawmakers Press Army for Detailed Transformation Plans
Congress is pushing the Army for a clearer roadmap to achieve its transformation goals, with Rep. Mike Rogers bluntly stating that the Army hasn't done its homework. The House Armed Services Committee has now mandated an annual report and briefing from the Army to keep lawmakers in the loop.

Congress Rebuffs Effort to Limit JAGs in Civilian Roles
In a surprising move, the House Armed Services Committee voted 31-26 against an amendment that would have restricted Judge Advocates to only military duties, allowing them to continue serving in crucial civilian roles. This decision means that these specialized resources can keep tackling a broader range of challenges, beyond just military operations.

Congress Probes Navy's Trump Class Battleship Plan Over Nuclear Shipbuilding Concerns
The House Armed Services Committee is pushing for answers on the Navy's ambitious plan to build 15 new nuclear-powered battleships, known as the Trump Class, at a hefty $17 billion each, and wants assurance that the massive project won't derail existing shipbuilding programs. Members are demanding a formal risk assessment to prove the Navy can handle the enormous undertaking without compromising its nuclear shipbuilding capacity.

House Defense Bill Leaves Trump Priorities Unfunded
The House Armed Services Committee's initial defense spending plan falls short of the Pentagon's request, setting a baseline of $1.15 trillion - a far cry from the $1.5 trillion needed to fund key priorities. This leaves crucial initiatives in limbo, tied to a separate reconciliation vehicle rather than being fully funded.

Pentagon Prepares Funding Request for E-7 Wedgetail Radar Plane
The House Armed Services Committee is still in the dark about the Pentagon's plans to fund the E-7 Wedgetail radar plane, despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's promise to include it in the $1.5 trillion budget request. A formal budget amendment is still pending, leaving committee staff eagerly awaiting details on funding and offsets.

CENTCOM Chief Urges New Tech to Neutralize Buried Targets
CENTCOM Chief Adm. Brad Cooper is calling for game-changing tech to tackle buried targets, emphasizing the urgent need for advancements in electronic warfare, counter-UAS systems, and munitions to strike hard-to-reach enemy hideouts. As the threat landscape evolves, Cooper stresses that investing in these areas is crucial to staying ahead.

Hegseth Details Iran War Strategy Before House Panel
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside top Pentagon officials, stepped into the spotlight at the House Armed Services Committee, marking a crucial moment of transparency in the ongoing Iran war. This high-stakes hearing, the first public appearance of its kind since the conflict began, offers a rare glimpse into the US war strategy.