September 19, 2025
Mr. McGuire introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War
, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Peace Through Strength Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Change of name of Department of Defense to Department of War
(a) Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
(1)
On August 7, 1789, 236 years ago, President George Washington signed into law a bill establishing the United States Department of War to oversee the operation and maintenance of military and naval affairs.
(2)
It was under this name that the Department of War, along with the later formed Department of the Navy, won the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, inspiring awe and confidence in our Nation’s military, and ensuring freedom and prosperity for all Americans.
(3)
The Founders chose this name to signal our strength and resolve to the world.
(b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
the name Department of War
, more than the current Department of Defense
, ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend.
(2)
This name sharpens the Department’s focus on our own national interest and our adversaries’ focus on our willingness and availability to wage war to secure what is ours.
(3)
This Department should once again be known as the Department of War and the Secretary should be known as the Secretary of War.
(c) Change of name of Department of Defense to Department of War
(1) In general
The United States Code is amended—
(A)
by striking Department of Defense
each place it appears and inserting Department of War
; and
(B)
by striking Secretary of Defense
each place it appears and inserting Secretary of War
.
(2) References
Any reference to the Department of Defense in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be considered to refer and apply to the Department of War.
(3) Other officials
This subsection shall also apply, as appropriate, to subordinate officials within the Department of Defense, who may use corresponding secondary titles such as Deputy Secretary of War or Under Secretary of War in the contexts described in paragraph (2).
(4) Statutory references
Statutory references to the Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense, and subordinate officers and components shall remain controlling until changed subsequently by the law.
(d) Implementation
This section shall be carried out consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.