House Passes Defense Bill Renaming Department of Defense

Why it matters locally: While the renaming of a federal agency might seem largely symbolic, a change in the Department of Defense's official designation to the Department of War could carry implications for Maine's significant defense industry, including shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works, and for the thousands of active military personnel, veterans, and their families residing in the state.

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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.