In the 115th Congress, the House Armed Services Committee is led by Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) with Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) serving as the Ranking Member.
The Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing counter-terrorism programs and initiatives and counter proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, this subcommittee oversees U.S. Special Operations Forces, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), information technology and programs, force protection policy and oversight, and related intelligence support. It makes sure that our nation is protected against terrorist attacks and unconventional threats.
The Military Personnel Subcommittee is responsible for military personnel policy, reserve component integration and employment issues, military health care, military education, and POW/MIA issues. This subcommittee makes sure that our troops and their loved ones are receiving the first class benefits that they deserve.
The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee conducts studies and investigations across the jurisdiction of the House Armed Services Committee. Members and staff conduct comprehensive oversight studies of major programs and issues and produce reports for the Committee and DOD providing recommendations and improvements of these programs.
The Readiness Subcommittee is responsible for the single largest account within DOD’s budget. It oversees military readiness, training, logistics and maintenance issues and programs, military construction, installations and family housing issues, and the BRAC process. It also oversees civilian personnel, energy security, and environmental issues that affect DOD. The Readiness Subcommittee makes sure that our troops are properly trained and their equipment is properly maintained so they can succeed in their missions, and that they have the facilities and services they deserve when they return home.
The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee has oversight over Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force programs. Through its authorization for Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force procurement and R&D programs, this subcommittee is committed to reversing the decline in the Air Force’s Global Mobility and Bomber forces, Navy battle force fleet, strengthening the naval air component, and providing the Marine Corps warfighter with essential equipment for combat operations.
The Strategic Forces Subcommittee oversees our nation’s nuclear weapons, ballistic missile defense, national security space programs, and Department of Energy national security programs. It makes sure our nation is properly prepared for any missile or nuclear attacks.
The Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee conducts oversight of ammunition programs, Army and Air Force acquisition programs, all Navy and Marine Corps aviation programs, and National Guard and Army and Air Force National Guard and Reserve. This subcommittee authorizes procurement and R&D programs to ensure that America’s solider and airmen are fully equipped to carry out their mission and keep our nation safe.