House votes to rename Defense Department as Department of War in FY2027 NDAA

House lawmakers approved a controversial change to the U.S. military establishment on Wednesday, voting to rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War” as part of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment, which passed with a majority in the House, was included in the broader defense policy bill that also contains a $1.15 trillion spending request for national security programs and proposed pay raises for active‑duty service members.

The NDAA, a key piece of legislation that typically receives bipartisan support, will set priorities and funding for the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and related defense activities for the upcoming fiscal year. The renaming proposal, while symbolic, reflects a broader debate over the language and framing of U.S. military policy in Congress. The bill is now pending final approval in the Senate, where it will undergo further debate and potential amendments before it can be signed into law.

If enacted, the new title would officially replace the Department of Defense in federal statutes and official documents, while the operational structure and budget allocations remain unchanged. The legislation’s passage underscores the ongoing focus on maintaining a robust defense posture amid evolving global security challenges, even as lawmakers grapple with how best to represent that posture in official terminology.