Larson Files Amendment to Stop Costly “Department of War” Name Change at the Pentagon

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would stop Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth's costly name change at the Pentagon. In September, the President signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War," something he had no authority to do.

Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee recently voted to include the name change in this year's NDAA, which the full House is set to consider next week. The Pentagon has said that the name change would cost $52 million, but the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released a reportestimating a $125 million taxpayer-funded price tag.

"Whether it's a ballroom, the Reflecting Pool, or even an arch overlooking Arlington National Cemetery, Donald Trump is more focused on his pet projects than doing anything to make life better for the American people," said Larson. "Now, he and Pete Hegseth want Congress to sign off on a meaningless name change at the Pentagon that could cost taxpayers as much as $125 million. My amendment will stop this unnecessary waste of money, so that funding can be better used where it belongs-with our brave servicemembers. The President's desire to put his own personal stamp on the Pentagon should not come at the expense of our troops."

Rep. Larson's amendment to the NDAA strikes Section 1091 of H.R. 8800, a Republican-led provision that would officially rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War."