House Passes Defense Bill Renaming Department of Defense

Why it matters locally: The renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War could carry symbolic weight for Montana's National Guard members and their families, as well as for the state's military installations, potentially influencing morale and perceptions of military service.

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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.