DesJarlais to chair House panel overseeing military space, nuclear programs

WASHINGTON — Rep. Scott DesJarlais is taking the helm of the House Armed Services Committee’s space and nuclear weapons oversight panel. His appointment was announced Jan. 7 as part of the Republican reshuffle for the 119th Congress.

The Tennessee lawmaker’s ascension to chair the Strategic Forces Subcommittee comes as Pentagon leaders warn that Beijing is rapidly expanding its space warfare capabilities, potentially threatening the satellite networks that underpin U.S. military power.

DesJarlais, who has served in Congress since 2011, replaces former Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, who has retired. He will oversee a broad portfolio including missile defense, nuclear deterrence and military space programs – areas where House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) has promised aggressive oversight amid growing great power competition.

The commercial space sector could see a boost under DesJarlais’ leadership. The six-term congressman has pushed for deeper integration of private space capabilities into military systems, arguing that commercial innovation could help the Pentagon move faster and cheaper in responding to emerging threats.

In previous subcommittee hearings, DesJarlais has advocated for procurement reforms that would make it easier for the Defense Department to buy commercial products and services. He also has backed measures aimed at helping smaller, innovative companies compete against traditional defense contractors —  positioning himself as an advocate of acquisition reform at a time when many see bureaucracy holding back U.S. space capabilities.

The Strategic Forces gavel gives DesJarlais significant influence over policy and funding for some of the military’s most sensitive programs, from nuclear modernization to classified space systems. With Rogers promising to focus heavily on competition with China, the subcommittee is likely to push for new investments in space defenses and more aggressive steps to counter Beijing’s anti-satellite weapons programs.

The Strategic Forces Subcommittee has oversight of the Pentagon’s and Energy Department’s nuclear weapons programs, missile defense systems and military space activities. Its work often focuses on highly classified programs that form the backbone of U.S. strategic deterrence. 

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