House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) addressed the committee in Washington, D.C., highlighting the need to revitalize the U.S. defense industrial base. Rogers began by acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice of servicemembers involved in Operation Epic Fury and those stationed globally. He expressed support for the President’s decision to conduct this operation, emphasizing its necessity for protecting Americans and allies.
Rogers noted that not all committee members share his perspective on the operation but encouraged ongoing debate. He stressed the importance of providing servicemembers with adequate resources and capabilities.
The hearing focused on assessing the current state of the defense industrial base and strategies to better support military personnel. Rogers stated, “Peace through strength starts in our factories, our depots, and our shipyards. But we lost sight of that after the Cold War.” He outlined how over three decades, consolidation and reduced investment led to workforce shortages and unfilled manufacturing jobs.
He cited excessive regulation as a factor pushing small businesses out of defense work, while inconsistent demand discouraged contractors from expanding production capacity. According to Rogers, these trends have resulted in low stockpiles of critical defense articles and long waits for allies seeking American-made weapons.
Rogers compared U.S. efforts with China’s advancements: “China’s shipbuilding capacity dwarfs ours. They are outproducing us on ships, drones and munitions. And they have embedded themselves deep into our defense supply chains.” He said these developments raise doubts about America’s ability to sustain prolonged conflict with China.
He credited recent collaboration between Congress and the Department of Defense for progress in acquisition reform but argued more is needed: “That is why this committee is making revitalizing the defense industrial base its top priority this year.”
Rogers outlined several steps for improvement:
“We must invest in domestic reindustrialization and a skilled, patriotic defense workforce, from welders to machinists to engineers.
We must provide certainty to the industrial base through expanded use of fully-funded multi-year authorities.
We must end our dependency on China for critical minerals and materials.
We must incentivize increased production from new entrants, non-traditionals and traditionals alike.
And we must implement the President’s executive orders on arms exports to leverage allied purchases to support the expansion of U.S. production capacity.”
He acknowledged efforts by Deputy Secretary Feinberg to expand munitions capacity as an important step forward. The committee has expanded multi-year authorities for critical munitions in recent legislation (FY26 NDAA), aiming to give industry predictability for scaling production.
The President’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget was highlighted as a significant commitment: “And the President’s call for a $1.5 trillion defense budget, one I strongly support, makes clear we are working to back this effort with real resources.”
Rogers called on industry partners to increase investments in production capacity while Congress focuses on rebuilding fragile supply chains such as those related to critical minerals or solid rocket motors (SRMs). He referenced congressional funding through what he called “One Big Beautiful Bill” aimed at addressing chokepoints within supply chains.
On equity investments in strengthening supply chain resilience, Rogers stated that Congress needs more clarity regarding their appropriate use: “However, Congress needs clearer answers on when equity investments are the right approach.”
He reiterated concerns about consolidation within SRM manufacturing leading to bottlenecks: “This committee has long warned about consolidation in the solid rocket motor industrial base and the bottlenecks it created for critical munitions.” He looked forward to hearing specific plans from witnesses about developing second-source providers for SRMs using congressional resources.
“Modern military power rests on industrial strength,” Rogers concluded. “It is the difference between deterring a major war and losing one.”
The House Armed Services Committee includes notable members such as Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, and Robert J. Wittman according to its official website. The committee oversees programs related to national defense under jurisdiction defined by Rule X of House Rules (source). Rep. Mike Rogers serves as chair during both 118th-119th Congresses (source), influencing legislation like community project funding through processes such as National Defense Authorization Act (source). The committee operates under congressional oversight responsibilities (source).
