Across Domains, One Mission: Lawmakers Assess U.S. Military Posture
Washington, D.C. – This week, the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee held hearings with leadership from the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Army to discuss military readiness, priorities, and the strategic posture forward. With evolving threats and emerging domains, lawmakers emphasized the importance of a unified defense approach that aligns capabilities across land, air, and space to deter aggression, respond rapidly, and maintain lethality. Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) reiterated a focus on delivering FY26 appropriations to support our constitutional duties of providing for the common defense.

During the Air Force and Space Force proceedings, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Calvert said he was pleased with the Trump Administration’s focus on “modernizing the nation’s nuclear deterrent and supporting American space superiority.” He also expressed interest in hearing how the services plan to lead in an “increasingly dynamic and complex world,” and reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the “fielding of platforms needed by our warfighters” during the budget process.
He continued at today’s Army hearing, emphasizing that “the U.S. Army is a force that remains the backbone of our nation’s defense and a critical pillar in ensuring global stability.” As the Committee looks ahead to future conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, Calvert said the focus remains on assessing the Army’s readiness to operate in an ever-changing environment.

He reiterated that “the Army’s role in the future fight is evolving rapidly, shaped by emerging threats and technological advancements. Among these, the proliferation of drone technology stands out as a game-changer,” and noted the importance of modernization, saying, “we must ensure that these efforts align with the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield, where agility, resilience, and technological edge will define success. We must ensure that investments in our Army reflect the needs of a multi-domain fight and strike the right balance between conventional capabilities and the specialized forces required for hybrid and asymmetric warfare.”
Read Subcommittee Chairman Calvert's full Air Force and Space Force statement here and Army statement here.

Chairman Cole remarked, “we are at a pivotal moment, where we need the Air Force and Space Force that we have today to deter future conflict tomorrow. I am concerned that it has been taking us too long to acquire new aircraft, weapons systems, and space capabilities, and I am interested in hearing how the Department of the Air Force views managing risk as it pivots some missions from aircraft to space.” Looking ahead, Cole stated that “the future of air power depends on multi-tasking,” pointing to the importance of a strong manufacturing base “to modernize and move into the next generation of air superiority, while simultaneously sustaining our inventory of aircraft.”
At the Army hearing, he turned his attention to the strategic challenges posed by China and underscored the Army’s role in meeting them head-on, asserting that “the United States Army plays a critical role in deterring this threat and, if necessary, prevailing in any conflict that may arise. We must ensure our forces are postured to counter China’s growing capabilities, particularly in the realm of long-range strategic fires. The ability to strike with precision over vast distances is a necessity to maintain our competitive edge and protect our interests across the globe.”

Cole stressed the need for readiness across all time horizons: “We cannot afford to be caught unprepared—whether it’s ensuring an adequate supply of artillery shells, precision-guided munitions, or advanced missile systems. I expect a candid assessment of where we stand today and what investments are needed to bolster our readiness for both the near term and the long haul.”
Read Chairman Cole's full Air Force and Space Force statement here and Army statement here.

As the FY26 process moves forward, the House Appropriations Committee is focused on ensuring our defenders are equipped, trained, and prepared to protect the United States. America must continue to lead with strength against our adversaries, invest in capabilities to confront and defeat threats, and ensure a free and safe nation.
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