U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, of Washington, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, during a hearing on July 16, 2014. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Hinton. Defense Department.
Washington Examiner: House Democrats seize power over Pentagon budget, Space Force
Democrats, with their takeover of the House on Tuesday, are now positioned to rein in defense spending and create a headache for President Trump as he pursues a Space Force and controversial policies such as transgender service restrictions.
The new majority is also expected to turn the page on two years of Republican rule by naming Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., a staunch critic of the president and skeptic of big Pentagon budgets, the new House Armed Services Committee chairman next year.
This marks a major shift after leadership by Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, and the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Congress’ armed services committees, which led to major hikes in defense spending and big-ticket political wins for Trump.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., who will be the new House Armed Services Committee chairman next year, is no friend of the Pentagon .... The Pentagon’s Getting More Secretive — and It’s Hurting National Security (Rep. Adam Smith, Defense One). I expect fireworks, not only on the budget, but also on social issues and on war policy.
More News On The Impact Of A Democrat Controlled congress On The Pentagon
Election to shake up House and Senate armed services committees -- Defense News
What the Midterms Mean for National Security -- Katie Bo Williams, Defense One
What a Democrat-controlled House means for Trump’s national security priorities -- Amanda Macias, CNBC
Democrats’ big night brings big questions for defense policy -- Defense News
Blue wave laps at the shores of the Pentagon -- Washington Examiner
Trump's Space Force loses some detractors, but expect a bumpy ride in the new Congress -- Washington Examiner
