HASC adds funds for Virginia-class subs, Ukraine in FY26 policy bill
Republicans successfully batted down a number of Democratic amendments during the 14-hour markup session.
HASC leaders release new defense acquisition reform plan to SPEED weapons buying
“The fragility of today’s DIB [defense industrial base] is a direct consequence of decades of well-intentioned, but ultimately misguided, acquisition regulations,” a summary of the bill reads.
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Data overload threatens decisionmakers as autonomy expands
Reducing cognitive overload on warfighters while improving “time to trust” for autonomous systems is a matter of design.
HASC approves $150B defense increase as GOP shuts down amendments to curb Hegseth, DOGE
Effectively untouched after about four hours of debate, the bill will now go to the House Budget Committee.
Who’s Who in Defense: Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee (HASC)
As Ranking Member of the HASC, Smith plays a senior role in a committee with legislative jurisdiction over military policy through the annual passage of the the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
‘Not a warfighter’: Air Force secretary hits back at Musk comments on canceling manned fighters
The Pentagon should continue to buy and upgrade the Lockheed Martin F-35, Frank Kendall said today, while underscoring that “better performance” is needed from the stealth jet’s manufacturer.
Such efficiency, very defense: Congress, industry waiting for Elon’s DOGE to wow
In which five executives, three lawmakers and two Pentagon officials weigh in on whether they think DOGE will be a good thing or a bad thing for the Defense Department.
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How TAK gives the US military an advantage at the Edge
“Tactical operating system” for warfighters has evolved to provide more situational awareness of the battlefield.
House passes $884B NDAA despite transgender care ban controversy
Democrats were infuriated by a last minute addition of language by House Speaker Mike Johnson that would ban Tricare from covering gender dysphoria treatments “that could result in sterilization” for transgender children of servicemembers.
HASC leaders probe Navy on Newport News faulty welding problem
"The safety of our sailors is our top concern, and we must immediately understand any risks associated with the faulty work,” said four top leaders of the House Armed Services Committee.
Harris administration’s Pentagon should focus on defense innovation, top HASC Dem says
“I'd like to see in a Harris administration, a commitment to the innovation reform agenda at DoD,” said HASC Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith. “That really has, I think, stalled a little bit."
China committee, NDS commission signals new Congress will focus on Beijing
“I’m surprised at times, some of the people who just fall into full-scale China bashing and talk about how terrible China is, which it isn’t. We can't let them do this,” said Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash.
The state of play in military space
The military space sector is evolving fast. Get the latest from Space Force and industry officials on what’s next for acquisition, policy and training in a new Breaking Defense eBook.
NDAA coming Monday, Smith pledges it will pass
The House and Senate are both expected to vote on the final bill next week.
House authorizers pass $839B defense budget, adding money for ships, aircraft, Ukraine
During a marathon markup session that started on Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment that would add $37 billion to the defense topline.
HASC won’t force the Air Force to hold a bridge tanker competition… this year
Although lawmakers repeatedly said their position wasn't meant to favor a particular company, in some respects the debate was held over parochial lines, as some of the most outspoken had interests in their districts.
HASC chairman’s NDAA mark focuses on munitions, R&D
Staffers briefing reporters ahead of the release emphasized a focus on the health of the munitions industrial base.