This bill, titled the "Peace Through Strength Act of 2025," seeks to fundamentally alter the identity of the United States' primary military department by changing its name from the Department of Defense to the Department of War . It also renames the head of the department from the Secretary of Defense to the Secretary of War . The legislation cites historical precedent, noting that the original Department of War successfully oversaw military operations during significant conflicts like the War of 1812 and both World Wars. Congress expresses a sense that this renaming would more effectively project national strength and a readiness to engage in conflict, thereby ensuring peace. The bill mandates that all existing legal documents, rules, regulations, and official papers referring to the Department of Defense or Secretary of Defense would automatically be considered to refer to the Department of War and Secretary of War, respectively. This change would also extend to subordinate officials, allowing them to use corresponding titles such as Deputy Secretary of War, with implementation subject to applicable law and appropriations.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Armed Forces and National Security
Peace Through Strength Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5522| House
| Updated: 9/19/2025
This bill, titled the "Peace Through Strength Act of 2025," seeks to fundamentally alter the identity of the United States' primary military department by changing its name from the Department of Defense to the Department of War . It also renames the head of the department from the Secretary of Defense to the Secretary of War . The legislation cites historical precedent, noting that the original Department of War successfully oversaw military operations during significant conflicts like the War of 1812 and both World Wars. Congress expresses a sense that this renaming would more effectively project national strength and a readiness to engage in conflict, thereby ensuring peace. The bill mandates that all existing legal documents, rules, regulations, and official papers referring to the Department of Defense or Secretary of Defense would automatically be considered to refer to the Department of War and Secretary of War, respectively. This change would also extend to subordinate officials, allowing them to use corresponding titles such as Deputy Secretary of War, with implementation subject to applicable law and appropriations.