Domestic Affairs

Congressional Defense Oversight in Focus: Senate and House Armed Services Committees Hold Key Hearings

Michael Frick

08 May 2025 — 4 min read

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Introduction

On May 8, 2025, Congress sharpened its oversight of U.S. defense policy and military modernization with two high-profile hearings. The Senate Armed Services Committee convened to consider pivotal Pentagon nominations, including candidates for Under Secretary of the Army and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Simultaneously, the House Armed Services Committee’s Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI) Subcommittee held a hearing on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) posture regarding information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI). These events underscore the legislative branch’s active role in shaping military leadership, ensuring technological superiority, and addressing emerging security challenges as the U.S. adapts to a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Senate Armed Services Committee: Key Pentagon Nominations

Nominees Under Scrutiny

The Senate Armed Services Committee gathered to vet and question nominees for two critical Pentagon roles:

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