Republicans in both chambers of Congress unveiled legislation on Friday to restore the “Department of War” name to the Defense Department.
The bill comes as President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Friday to rename the DOD to its original moniker. The name change is expected to need congressional approval to be permanent and official.
The DOD’s name was changed in 1949 through an amendment to the 1947 National Security Act, which had combined the Army, Air Force, and Navy under one department. Before, the Army and Air Force were part of the Department of War.
In the Senate, Republicans Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah are introducing the bill, while GOP House Rep. Greg Steube of Florida is introducing the legislation in the lower chamber.
“The United States military is not a purely defensive force,” Scott said in a statement. “We are the most lethal fighting force on the face of the planet — ready to defeat any enemy when called upon. Restoring the name to Department of War reflects our true purpose: to dominate wars, not merely respond after being provoked. President Trump has made it clear that our nation will pursue Peace Through Strength — and we will always stand ready to defend our freedoms.”
“For the first 150 years of our military’s history, Americans defeated their enemies and protected their homeland under the War Department. I’m proud to introduce the Department of War Restoration Act to make President Trump’s return to tradition permanent in federal law. It should always be clear to anyone who would harm our people: Americans don’t just play defense,” Lee said in a statement.
“From 1789 until the end of World War II, the United States military fought under the banner of the Department of War. Thanks to their courage and sacrifice, the standard of excellence was established for all servicemembers who followed in their footsteps. It is only fitting that we pay tribute to their eternal example and renowned commitment to lethality by restoring the name of the ‘Department of War’ to our Armed Forces,” Steube said.
