House Passes Defense Bill Renaming Department of Defense

Why it matters locally: Louisiana is home to several major military installations, including Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Johnson, whose operations and personnel could be indirectly affected by a federal agency name change of this magnitude. This legislative action also impacts federal funding that supports these bases and their surrounding communities.

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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.