Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee has been appointed to chair the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, a key position as Pentagon officials warn about Beijing's growing space warfare capabilities, which could target U.S. satellite networks vital to military operations.
DesJarlais, who has served in Congress since 2011, succeeds retired Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado. As chair, DesJarlais will oversee critical defense areas, including missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and military space programs. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) has pledged robust oversight in these areas, particularly as competition with China intensifies.
Under DesJarlais' leadership, the commercial space sector could benefit from increased integration with military systems. The six-term congressman has long advocated for greater collaboration between the Pentagon and private space companies, suggesting that commercial innovation could enable faster and more cost-effective responses to emerging threats.
In past subcommittee hearings, DesJarlais has supported procurement reforms aimed at simplifying the process for the Defense Department to acquire commercial products and services. He has also championed initiatives to help smaller, innovative companies compete with traditional defense contractors. DesJarlais has positioned himself as a proponent of acquisition reform, responding to concerns that bureaucratic hurdles hinder U.S. space capabilities.
The chairmanship grants DesJarlais significant influence over policy and funding for some of the military's most sensitive programs, including nuclear modernization and classified space systems. With Chairman Rogers focusing on U.S.-China competition, the subcommittee is expected to push for increased investments in space defense and enhanced efforts to counter China's anti-satellite weapons.
The Strategic Forces Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Pentagon's nuclear weapons programs, missile defense systems, and military space activities. Its responsibilities often involve overseeing classified programs crucial to U.S. strategic deterrence.
DesJarlais' leadership marks a pivotal moment as the U.S. looks to bolster its defense capabilities in space amidst growing security challenges.