WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) announced the official activation of the Future of Defense Task Force.

The bipartisan Future of Defense Task Force is chartered to review U.S. defense assets and capabilities and assess the state of the national security innovation base to meet emerging threats.

The Task Force is co-chaired by Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.).

Representatives Susan Davis (D-Calif), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.) and Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) have agreed to serve on the task force.

HASC Committee leadership can initiate a task force to execute oversight of issues that cross multiple subcommittee jurisdictions or are deemed worthy of special attention by its Members. Reps Smith and Thornberry initiated the Future of Defense Task Force to examine the Department of Defense’s strategic priorities, capabilities and operational concepts to ensure the national security innovation base is poised to meet long-range emerging threats and the rise of global competitors.

From initial activation, the duration of the Task Force is three months with the option of renewal for an additional three months.

To learn more about the Future of Defense Task Force, its focus and how the Task Force will execute its roles and responsibilities, the Task Force co-chairs will host an on-the-record, off-camera roundtable discussion for Hill-credentialed members of the media on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2212.

Please RSVP to caleb.randall-bodman@mail.house.gov if you plan to attend the media roundtable.

The Task Force’s first hearing will take place on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building in Room 2118.

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