Armed Services Committee, House

The House Armed Services Committee is a standing (permanent) committee that serves as the main body dedicated to legislative policy research and Defense as well as Energy agency oversight within the House of Representatives. It is a key component in the larger national defense establishment, including the Department of Defense, national security staff, elements of the Department of Energy, portions of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as military-industrial interest groups. This entry provides an overview of the basic public policy jurisdiction, historical development, and legislative, representative, and oversight activities, as well as organization, key personnel, and related liaison endeavors of the House Armed Services Committee. It is primarily through this committee that the House [Page 144]influences the setting of American foreign and domestic ...