House Passes Defense Bill Renaming Department of Defense

Why it matters locally: As the nation's capital, a significant change to a major federal agency like the Department of Defense (renamed Department of War in this bill) has a direct impact on the District of Columbia due to the large number of federal employees residing and working within its borders, as well as the city's role as the seat of the federal government.

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WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a defense policy bill that would redesignate the Department of Defense as the Department of War. This legislative action came as part of the annual defense spending package. President Donald Trump had requested $1.15 trillion for national security, and the passed bill incorporates this funding level. Lawmakers approved the overall legislation after a vote on the floor. This measure marks a significant proposed change to the official title of the federal agency responsible for military affairs. The Department of Defense has held its current name since 1947, when it replaced the Department of War.