Marilyn Strickland

House panel votes to reinstate non-Confederate base names and adopt ‘Department of War’ - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Rep. Strickland supports reinstating the 2023 congressional commission's recommended names for nine southern military bases, arguing that the Trump administration circumvented the law by renaming bases to honor different service members with the same surnames as Confederate officers, thereby reviving Confederate legacies.

Military Times: House panel votes to reinstate non-Confederate base names and adopt ‘Department of War’ A House panel voted Thursday to return the names of nine southern U.S. military bases to those recommended in 2023 by a congressional commission assigned to study the Defense Department’s Confederate honorifics. After a spirited 30-minute debate late Thursday evening, members of the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment offered by Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., to change the names in a narrow 29-27 vote. In offering her amendment, Strickland said it was necessary because the Trump administration ignored Congress by changing the new names, choosing to honor, instead, different service members with the same last names as the Confederate officers for which the bases originally were named. Strickland said while the current names honor military personnel in their own right — for example, Fort Lee in Virginia is now named for Fitz Lee, a Buffalo soldier who earned the Medal of Honor — the administration’s changes sidestepped the law and were hurtful to many military personnel and veterans for reviving Confederate legacies. “They used the same stunt the commission considered and rejected, finding new service members that share the same last name as the Confederate traitors,” Strickland said. Republican Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who voted for the amendment, said his Virginia ancestor fought for the Union and would be “rolling in his grave” knowing U.S. military bases were named for Confederate leaders. “I thought we did it right in 2020 — we debated it, it was a strong debate here. It passed in the House, a Democrat majority, and it passed in the Senate, Republican majority,“ Bacon said. ”The president vetoed it, and we overrode the veto. We did it right, and what happens is the secretary comes in here, puts his thumb in our eye … it should bother all of us.” Lawmakers opposed to the change said the longstanding names have widespread and international recognition and mean much to the troops who have served on the bases, even as they may not know much about the installation’s namesakes. “To judge historical figures by the morality of our time is taking certain things out of context … I just heard we can’t honor our forefathers who enslaved other people. Are we going to rename this city? Where does it end?” asked Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas. “I think Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Trump have struck a reasonable balance. Our history should be taught, not erased, the good and bad,” agreed Rep. John McGuire, R-Va. Under Strickland’s amendment, the Naming Commission’s recommendations would be reinstated: Fort A.P. Hill would become Fort Walker; Fort Bragg would become Fort Liberty; Fort Benning would become Fort Moore; Fort Hood would become Fort Cavazos; Fort Lee would become Fort Gregg-Adams; Fort Polk would become Fort Johnson; Fort Rucker would be Fort Novosel; and Fort Pickett would be Fort Barfoot. Fort Gordon also would become Fort Shughart-Gordon. The installation, once named for Confederate Maj. General John Brown Gordon, was changed last year to honor Master Sgt. Gary Gordon, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism in the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia. Strickland said she worked with Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., to add the name Sgt. First Class Randall Shughart, who also earned the Medal of Honor in that battle. Rep. Carlos Giménez, R-Fla., joined with Bacon and committee Democrats to overturn the names. The panel also voted to change the name of the Defense Department to the Department of War. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, introduced the amendment, saying that the change sends an “unmistakable signal” that “America is willing to fight and win to secure its interests.” “This name reflects the determination and resolve of our brave men and women of the U.S. military who aggressively fight to secure our national interests,” Jackson said. “Our military does much more than defend the homeland.” The War Department was established by legislation signed by President George Washington in 1789, and it remained so until 1947, when President Harry Truman sought to consolidate the services under a single Cabinet-level command structure. Truman recommended that Congress pass legislation creating a Department of National Defense, which became the Defense Department. Trump issued an executive order Sept. 5, 2025, to restore the name Department of War, a secondary title to the Defense Department. The department has been using the moniker but requires legislation to permanently change the name. Smith said the name change would have very little impact on adversaries. “Practically speaking, it makes no frickin’ difference whatsoever. We have a lot of important work to do … and we are arguing over a name. It’s incredibly expensive to change that name,” Smith said. Earlier in the day, the panel also voted unanimously by voice vote to ban hate symbols like swastikas, nooses and other graphics across the department, to include tattoos, uniforms, patches, personal equipment and government property. The amendment requires the secretary to establish standards for identifying and addressing prohibited symbols and procedural review for removal. The proposal is related to a policy change last year by the Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, that classified the Nazi insignia as “potentially divisive” rather than a hate symbol. Coast Guard officials said the policy change was misunderstood, and it was designed to clarify — not downgrade — its stand on extremist symbols. “This is not an updated policy but a new policy to combat any misinformation and double down that the U.S. Coast Guard forbids these symbols,” officials wrote in a statement.

House panel advances $1.15 trillion defense bill after marathon debate - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Rep. Strickland supported an amendment to rename military bases that were changed back to Confederate names under the Trump administration, restoring honors to other service members.

The Hill | House panel advances $1.15 trillion defense bill after marathon debate By: Ellen Mitchell and Filip Timotija The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) late Thursday passed the annual Defense policy bill, sending the mammoth, nearly $1.15 trillion measure to the full House after debating a chunk of some 900 offered amendments for 14 hours. The measure, known as the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed the panel by a 44 to 12 vote, with the final gavel falling at midnight. All Republicans and nearly half of the panel’s Democrats voted in favor of the bill, an unusually small number of Democrats given that only one or two on the historically bipartisan committee typically oppose the bill as it heads to the House floor. Prior to the final vote, the committee gave a round of applause and standing ovation for panel Chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who oversaw his last NDAA markup as head of the panel, absent a waiver. “It’s not easy getting me choked up,” Rogers said in response. Among the amendments adopted was a provision that would demand the Pentagon inform Congress why senior military officers were fired or dismissed within five days. The requirement was introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and was adopted Thursday without objections in a bipartisan voice vote. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired two dozen senior military officers since taking the helm at the Pentagon, prompting bipartisan worries that experienced officials are being dismissed without explanation. The panel also approved an amendment offered by Ryan that would require Hegseth to provide a copy of the official investigation into the deadly attack on Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1, which killed six U.S. service members, as well as provide a briefing on the incident to the defense committee. Among the surprises of the hearing was the adoption of an amendment from Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) that would formally rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the preferred name by the Trump administration and one used by Hegseth and most GOP lawmakers. It passed 29-27. In another big vote, the panel approved Rep. Marilyn Strickland’s (D-Wash.) amendment to rename bases that once held the names of Confederate generals, were changed to honor other service members, then were altered back to the same Confederate names but attributed to a different soldier with the same last name under Trump’s second term. In addition, the panel adopted the right-to-repair amendment, pushed by Reps. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), which would require contractors to give access to data and parts to fix the military’s equipment. “This is a common-sense requirement. What our bipartisan amendment does is to clarify and to create a clear set of rules, a default rule that will help to resolve disputes before they arise, that will streamline these processes, cut red tape and close loopholes that have mired our military in endless challenges in trying to do some of the most basic things that we should be empowering our service members to do,” Goodlander told the panel. Rogers pushed back against the amendment, saying while the provision is trying to address “legitimate concerns,” it creates a “much larger problem by granting the government extremely broad rights to IP developed at private [business] expense.” “This amendment would force companies to choose between protecting their IP and doing so with the Department of Defense,” Rogers said. The passage of the amendment, which also has some bipartisan support in the Senate, is a big blow to defense industry giants. Democrats tried to shave the NDAA’s massive top-line number, cut the funding earmarked for Trump-class battleships, protest the Iran war and ban the transfer of cluster munitions, all amendments that were defeated by House GOP defense hawks. “I just don’t trust this administration to use this historic budget appropriately. I’m not going to hand them a blank check to fund reckless unilateral wars of choice,” Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), said of his amendment to cut $150 billion from the NDAA’s topline number. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking member of the panel, pitched an amendment that would take out nearly $2 billion earmarked in the defense policy bill for Trump-class battleships. Moulton, who backed Smith’s provision, said the battleship is the “most expensive sitting duck in world history.” While the battleship amendment failed, Smith’s provision requiring quarterly reports from the Pentagon chief to Congress on munitions inventories was adopted via en bloc. Strickland’s amendment to block the Defense secretary from removing names from officer promotion lists, only allowing the commander-in-chief to overturn them, was defeated in a 26-30 vote, with Reps. Don Davis (D-N.C.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) siding with Republicans, while Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) backed the provision. Ryan’s proposal to bar more money for more military operations against Iran was sunk in a 26-30 vote, with Davis again siding with Republicans. Republicans on the panel voted down several amendments that would have protected the editorial independence of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper — currently under new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration — as well as protect press access at the Pentagon. Lawmakers opposed in a 25 to 29 vote a provision from Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), which would have protected Stars and Stripes in light of recent Pentagon attempts at editorial interference. Rep. Derek Tran (D-Calif.) was the lone Democrat to vote against it. “For 165 years [Stars and Stripes] has been the independent voice of the service member, not a Pentagon mouthpiece, but a real newspaper reporting the truth,” Jacobs said. She added, Hegseth “is trying to end that legacy and we should not let him.” The amendment would have established a Stars and Stripes ombudsman in statute. The role, created in 1991, is meant to monitor the outlet’s editorial independence and report concerns to Congress. Jacqueline Smith was the newspaper’s last ombudsman but was ousted in April after she criticized the Pentagon’s new restrictions on the outlet. Those restrictions, put in place by the Pentagon via a January memo, imposed new content requirements, with job applicants to be asked how they would advance Trump’s policy priorities. “This is censorship and it is a dangerous warning sign,” Jacobs said. “We need to make this position permanent now.” Rogers said that while he agreed that the role of an ombudsman is important, he “can’t support restricting the secretary’s oversight authority of an ombudsman.” The committee also voted 26 to 29 against an amendment from Goodlander that would have established Stars and Stripes as an independent establishment within the Defense Department, creating checks against political interference. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) crossed party lines to vote in favor and Tran voted against it. Goodlander, a former naval officer, said her provision would ensure “that editorial decisions remain where they belong and that’s in the hands of professional journalists, not political appointees.” Rogers again spoke up against the amendment, saying it would hinder Hegseth’s “ongoing efforts to modernize and ensure accurate reporting that is consistent with the values of our military.” The provisions were voted down a day after two advisory board members for Stars and Stripes sued the Pentagon over allegations that recent overhauls are undermining the publication’s editorial independence. Another amendment offered by Jacobs and intended to protect press access at the Pentagon also was voted down 27 to 28, with Bacon also joining Democrats to vote in favor. “If we take the press out of the Pentagon, you blind Congress and blind the American people to what’s happening in their name and with their money,” she said. Rogers responded that the Pentagon “has established a prudent policy to protect sensitive information by placing responsible limits on press access,” urging members to oppose the amendment. The Pentagon has a particularly contentious relationship with the press during Trump’s second term, with journalists now mostly barred from the building. Courts have largely sided with reporters in legal challenges to the moves, but the Pentagon has only ramped up restrictions. Most recently, Defense officials have barred reporters from entering the building’s press office and designated the facility as a classified space, curtailing access to an area within the department that journalists have had for years.

Strickland Introduces Childcare Access Bill - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Congresswoman Strickland introduced legislation to expand federal childcare assistance for parenting students by clarifying eligible education programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant and providing $850 million in additional annual authorization.

Bill Expands Access to Childcare for Parenting Students Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Childcare Access for all Recognized Education for Parenting Students Act (CARE for Parenting Students Act). The bill will expand access to federal childcare assistance for parenting students, regardless of the type of education or workforce training they are pursuing. “Parents participating in job training programs or apprenticeships deserve access to federal childcare assistance,” said Strickland. “Clarifying and expanding the range of education programs that qualify means more families will have access to childcare while they strengthen their job skills and expertise.” “Parents who are training to be a nurse, working on a college degree, or earning a commercial driving license need to know their kids are in safe, nurturing childcare. Rep. Strickland’s bill sets eligible student parents up to further their careers while helping children in Washington thrive through access to safe, quality childcare,” said Rob Colombini, CEO of Child Care Aware of Washington "Becoming a parent shouldn't stop you from pursuing an education," said Whitney Pesek, Senior Director of Federal Child Care Policy at the National Women's Law Center. "Representative Strickland's legislation would provide additional funding and ensure equitable access to CCDBG subsidies for student parents to help them afford childcare and pursue their education and training. We urge Congress to pass this commonsense legislation that strengthens support for student parents and bolsters women's economic security." The legislation ensures equitable access to Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) subsidies. The law requires those receiving CCDBG subsidies to be employed, enrolled in an educational program, or participating in job training. The lack of a clear definition of educational programs has created inconsistency across states of who is eligible in receiving this federal assistance. The bill provides an additional $850 million in annual authorization for CCDBG, and clarifies that eligible parental activities can include: The bill is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and Child Care Aware of Washington. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

Strickland Secures $850K for Affordable Housing in Tacoma - Marilyn Strickland

Lakewood, WA — Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced $850,000 in federal funding to the Tacoma Housing Authority for subsidized housing renovations. “The South Sound is one of the nation’s fastest growing regions – and residents are feeling the housing crunch,” said Strickland. “I am proud to secure federal funding that provides families with comfortable, affordable housing, and rates the cost effective approach of renovating existing housing.” “We are grateful to Congresswoman Strickland for working to secure $850k in federal funding for the rehabilitation of housing units in Salishan and Hillside Terrace. This project will modernize essential systems and preserve deeply affordable homes for hundreds of families in our community. Her continued partnership and support help ensure that low-income Tacomans can live and thrive in high-quality, stable housing for years to come,” said April Black, Tacoma Housing Authority Executive Director. The funding is being used to support the Tacoma Housing Authority’s Salishan-Hillside Phase I. This is rehabilitating housing by modernizing core systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to improve energy efficiency, as well as update key interior and exterior finishes to enhance durability. This award is one of the FY26 Community Project Funding (CPF) grants Congresswoman Strickland secured. Read more about these projects here.

My April Newsletter - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Congresswoman Strickland introduced the 6PPD Task Force Act to address toxic chemical contamination affecting Pacific Northwest salmon by establishing a federal task force to coordinate research and identify safe alternatives to 6PPD-quinone.

I wanted to update you on my work over the past month. From announcing the STEM Award program and visiting several local manufacturing businesses, to introducing a bill to address toxic chemicals killing South Sound salmon, I continue to hear your feedback and deliver on what matters most to you. Strickland Launches Washington 10th Congressional District STEM Award Program Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced that her office will begin accepting submissions for the first annual Washington 10th Congressional District 2026 STEM Award Program. The program will highlight student projects that demonstrate innovation, problem-solving, and real-world community impact in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Strickland Secures $250K for Edgewood Trail Completion Congresswoman Strickland announced $250,000 in federal funding for the City of Edgewood’s Interurban Trail. The funding would be used to support the City of Edgewood’s Interurban Trail Phase III. This construction of a one-mile-long segment of the trail would complete one of the last remaining gaps between the West Valley Highway and 114th Avenue East in Pierce County. Congresswoman Strickland visited Girard Wood Products in Puyallup, a veteran-owned and family-run wood packaging business. She was able to learn more about their high-quality wood packaging solutions and how local businesses help support their communities and generate local revenue. Updates from the Other Washington Strickland Introduces Bill Addressing Toxic Chemical Killing Pacific Northwest Salmon During Puget Sound Day on the Hill, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Co-Chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, introduced her 6PPD Task Force Act. The bill, a first of its kind of federal legislation, creates a Task Force to bridge together federal, state, tribal, and industry voices to coordinate further 6PPD-quinone (6PPD) research and identify a safe alternative. The Congresswoman and her team are here to help you navigate these agencies, cut through the red tape, end delays, and much more. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (360) 459-8514 or contact us HERE. Federal grants are typically awarded and available to non-profit organizations, city, county, state, and other local government entities. Opportunities for federal funding are competitive. For more information on federal grants, please visit grants.gov or call the office: 360-459-8514. Upcoming grant opportunities include: For more information on these grant opportunities, please click HERE. As always, I work for you. If you need assistance, call my Lacey office at (360) 459-8514 or my D.C. Office at (202) 225-9740. For more updates, make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media. Sincerely, Marilyn Strickland Member of Congress

Strickland Presses Pete Hegseth on Firing of General Randy George and Military Promotion Integrity  - Marilyn Strickland

Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Strickland questioned Hegseth's decision to fire General George and his decision to deny four qualified servicemembers the promotion to Brigadier General. Strickland’s remarks are transcribed below, and can be viewed here: Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland: Thank you Chairman Rogers and Member Smith, and thank you to the witnesses for being here today. This Committee is being asked to consider a $1.5 trillion dollar DOD budget request that funds not only weapons and system programs, but the people, leadership, readiness, and trust required to make them effective. When senior leaders are removed abruptly or merit-based promotions are disrupted without clear explanation, Congress does have the responsibility to understand the rational and operational consequences. So, I’m going to focus on Secretary Hegseth. And to start, no one is disputing that senior officers serve at the pleasure of civilian leadership. The issue in front of this is whether the decision to remove General Randy George strengthened the Army or created an avoidable disruption during an active operational period. General George, who also served as Commanding General at I CORP at JBLM, has been serving for four decades, including multiple command and operational leadership roles culminating as Chief of Staff of the Army. Responsible for readiness, force modernization, and the welfare of over a million soldiers and civilians. He was removed in the middle of an active conflict involving US operations against Iran when leadership continuity is most critical. Reporting indicates that General George’s removal may have followed disagreements over Army personnel matters, including concerns regarding withheld promotions. So, my question Secretary is this – what specific national security risk, mission risk, or leadership concern did General George present that justified removing him in the middle of a conflict? Or was he removed because he challenged some decisions being made? Secretary of Pete Hegseth: As I stated earlier, out of respect to these officers, I don’t discuss the nature of the removal, but I would ask an earnest question of you – where does General George fall in the operational chain of command? Strickland: So, I’m asking you, why did you fire him? Don’t change the subject, sir. Please answer my question. Please answer my question. National risk, mission risk, leadership concern? What did he present that justified removing him in the middle of a conflict? Hegseth: Do you know where General George serves in the operational chain of command? Strickland: So, I’m asking you my question one more time, sir. Don’t try to flip it on me. Why was he removed? Was he a national security risk, mission risk, or leadership concern? Yes or no? You don’t – okay, that’s okay. Don’t answer the question, it’s all good. So, to be clear, your – Mr. Chair I’m going to reclaim my time. Chairman Mike Rogers: Gentlelady reclaims her time. Strickland: Sir, sir, show some respect, okay? Rogers: It’s the gentlelady from Washington’s time. Strickland: Under DoDI 1320.04, the Secretary of Defense may withhold or disprove forwarding nomination after service recommendations in limited circumstances, including newly identified adverse information, pending investigations, reportable information, and questions regarding mental, physical, moral, or professional qualification, incomplete or noncompliant nomination packages, missing certifications, or the need for additional clarification from the military department. Several colonels reportedly selected for Brigadier General were removed or withheld after Board Selection Certification. Which of these specific grounds apply to each withheld officer, and what objective evidence supported these decisions? Hegseth: Congresswoman, that was just one of many boards across the services where we will perform similar reviews, and I anticipate other officers will be removed also. Strickland: Okay, but what were the grounds for those? Hegseth: Again, we don’t talk about – out of respect for those officers – we don’t talk about the nature of that, and we all serve at the pleasure of the President. We’re solving for an institution that needs to be based on merit and professional execution, and there’s been a lot of gender and demographic engineering that’s been going on for reasons other than the focus of exactly what we should be doing on the battlefield, so whether it’s that or – Strickland: I didn’t. I did not raise gender. Hegseth: You – that’s implied in every statement that everybody makes – Strickland: I did not, I did not raise that. Hegseth: Ultimately, as we review all these board, it has nothing to do with anything other than their performance on the battlefield or their performance in their career. Strickland: And these people are thoroughly vetted, thoroughly researched, and I guess my question is – is this about loyalty to Trump or is it about what’s good for the mission? Hegseth: I understand what you’re implying, but it’s about the Constitution, and our military, and its ability to execute. And I’m going to make sure the President has the finest officers across the Force prepared to deliver. Strickland: So, this Committee funds weapons, readiness, recruiting, professional development in leadership pipelines, but no amount of money can compensate for a Force that may lose trust in the fairness of advancement. And this is fairness. We believe in merit. We have always had a merit-based system. That’s not the argument – Hegseth: No, we have not. Not under the Biden Administration, we did not. It became social engineering, not merit, and we’re fixing it quick. Strickland: No, it didn’t. No, it did not. It did not. And when we consider this budget request, we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are matched by sound judgement, credible leadership, and a personnel system worthy of those who serve. I yield back, Mr. Chair. Rogers: Gentlelady yields back. Chair now recognizes the Gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Scott.

STRICKLAND QUESTIONS PENTAGON ON INDO-PACIFIC READINESS AND DETERRENCE   - Marilyn Strickland

Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Congresswoman Strickland questioned Admiral Samuel Paparo, General Xavier T. Brunson, and John Noh on the deterrence and warfighting readiness of the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific. Strickland’s remarks are transcribed below, and can be viewed here: Chairman Mike Rogers: Ms. Strickland’s recognized. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland: Thank you Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith and thank you to our witnesses for being here today and your continued service. I represent Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where forces like I CORP and the Multi-Domain Task Force are directly tied to the Indo-Pacific. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial, but deterrence only works if it’s credible in the near term, not just in future Force Design. So, I want to focus my questions on whether we’re positioned today to meet that standard. Admiral Paparo, I’m going to move over so I can make eye contact with you. Representing JBLM where I CORP and the Multi-Domain Task Force are directly tied to the Indo-Pacific mission, at an unclassified level do you believe that U.S. Forces today are postured to maintain credible deterrence against China in the near term? Admiral Samuel Paparo: I do. I do believe that we’re postured correctly, but a very important element of that, and this is particular with regard to JBLM among other locations in the Western United States, is the mobility of forces to move and that mobility is underpinned by Air and Maritime capability that can rapidly move forces. Strickland: Alright and maybe you have answered my follow up. The top one or two capability areas where additional progress is most needed now? Paparo: Well, you know, I’ve talked about the changing character warfare and so munitions is the, you know, counter-C5ISR munitions is critically important. But sustainment – and sustainment includes the ability to deploy, the ability to phase – that’s a key area for improvement. And that is maritime vessels, including Army watercraft. That is air cargo aircraft. That’s tanker aircraft, really across the whole spectrum. Strickland: Thank you, Sir. Now moving on to General Brunson. Roughly 28,500 U.S. servicemembers are stationed in the Republic of Korea, with many serving 2- to 3-year tours in support of one of our most visible forward deterrence missions, including personnel who support operations tied to the DMZ. Given your operational experience and leadership on the Korean Peninsula, how do you assess the readiness of the Combined U.S.-ROK Force today to deter aggression from North Korea? General Xavier T. Brunson: Congresswoman Strickland, thank you for the question. I would assess us, having just exercised this formation in February, as being prepared to deter. Strickland: Thank you. Mr. Noh, deterrence is not only about military capability but also about the strength and alignment of our alliances, so I’d like to turn to you on this point. In the 2026 National Defense Strategy, it calls for stronger contributions from allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. To ensure our alliances remain strong and aligned, what clear expectations has the Department of Defense communicated to our allies and partners regarding the capabilities, investments, or contributions needed to strengthen collective deterrence, and how’s the Department assessing whether those efforts are producing the intended deterrent effect? John Noh: Congresswoman, thank you for your question. As I said in my opening statement, reestablishing deterrents in the Indo-Pacific is not a task that America can or ought to do on its own, so the role of our allies and partners is absolutely essential and critical. We have been building strong relationships that I can, I’d be happy to go into each and every one of them, but with allies and partners throughout the region. We have been asking wealthy and capable allies to step up, including with spending. President Trump made a historic achievement last year at the NATO Hague summit in getting NATO countries to increase their core defense spending to 3.5 percent of their GDP. That is the global standard, as the NSS and the NDS both clearly lay out. We are asking our allies and partners to do that, to increase spending and to meet the global standard, and we’re seeing progress. Republic of Korea, a couple months ago, became the first non-NATO ally to commit to increasing spending to 3.5 percent of their GDP. And, as the Chairman mentioned, Taiwan is also taking significant steps to increase its spending, so we’re seeing progress across the board, and we’ll continue to push our allies and partners to do their part. Strickland: Where’s Japan, as far as their spending? Noh: Japan is in the process of revising its 3 national security defense strategy documents. We’re in constant communication with our Japanese counterparts, allies on this issue and we look forward to seeing progress on this front– Rogers: Gentlelady from Washington’s time has expired.

Strickland Introduces Bill Addressing Toxic Chemical Killing Pacific Northwest Salmon  - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Congresswoman Strickland introduced legislation to establish a federal task force coordinating research on 6PPD, a toxic tire chemical killing Pacific Northwest salmon, and to identify safer alternatives to protect salmon populations and tribal treaty rights.

Washington, D.C. – Today, during Puget Sound Day on the Hill, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Co-Chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, introduced her 6PPD Task Force Act. The bill creates a Task Force to bridge together federal, state, tribal, and industry voices to coordinate further 6PPD-quinone (6PPD) research and identify a safe alternative. U.S. Representative Emily Randall (WA-06), and Puget Sound Recovery Caucus Co-Chair, is co-leading the bill, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) is leading the Senate companion bill. This bill is the first 6PPD bill introduced at the federal level. “Rapid population growth in our region means more residue from tires (6PPD) and stormwater that pollute Puget Sound. This harms our salmon, violates tribal treaty rights, hurts our economy, and our way of life in the Pacific Northwest,” said Strickland. “We cannot wait another two decades for the next research breakthrough. My bill sounds the alarm on 6PPD and brings all voices to the table to find short-term and long-term solutions.” “6PPD is a disaster for our ecosystems, our economy, and Tribal communities,” said Senator Merkley. “As we consider how to transition away from using this dangerous, salmon-killing chemical, we must consider important questions of science, consumer safety, Tribal rights, and species extinction as it relates to 6PPD. As the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing environmental justice and chemical safety, I’ll continue to sound the alarm on the very real threats posed by 6PPD and push for every effort to find a much less harmful ingredient for manufacturing tires.” “Salmon are a way of life in the Pacific Northwest – Tribal nations who have stewarded the lands and waters since time immemorial and our fishing communities rely on the health and wellbeing of this keystone species," said Rep. Randall. "We know that 6PPD – a highly toxic chemical in our tires – is wiping out Coho salmon. I’m proud to join my fellow Puget Sound Recovery Co-Chair, Rep. Strickland, in introducing this bill to bring federal, state, and Tribal partners together to help advance research and protect salmon populations for generations to come.” 6PPD-quinone is a toxic chemical from tires that runs off into stormwater and ends up in rivers, the Sound, and the ocean, and is killing coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest. The Task Force will move forward research, mitigation efforts, and a safer alternative for 6PPD. "To help protect and restore wild salmon, we must find a way to reduce the magnitude of impacts from toxins in stormwater runoff. This bill will marshal important knowledge and practical solutions to strengthen the health of our rivers and their wild salmon," said Guido Rahr, President and CEO of Wild Salmon Center. Since her first days in office, Strickland has led on the issue of 6PPD. In 2021, Strickland successfully included an amendment in the Environment and Related Agencies section of H.R. 4502, the appropriations minibus package – highlighting the urgency of increasing funding for research into 6PPD. In 2023, Stickland secured federal funding for the University of Washington to help further study salmon and 6PPD. Last year, Strickland sent a letter to the Secretary of the Interior asking that the Administration halt their plans to dismantle the Ecosystems Mission Area of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – citing 6PPD work. For decades, biologists observed coho salmon dying from mysterious symptoms in Pacific Northwest urban streams. In 2020, after a 20-year and $5 million research effort, a team of scientists from the Center for Urban Waters and Washington Stormwater Center discovered the cause: a toxic chemical called 6PPD-quinone, created when a commonly used antiozonant in tires interacts with ozone. This chemical runs into local streams when it rains, entering the bloodstream of coho salmon and poisoning them. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

Congresswoman Strickland Introduces Bill Addressing Toxic Chemical Killing Pacific Northwest Salmon - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Congresswoman Strickland introduced legislation to establish a federal task force coordinating research on 6PPD-quinone, a toxic chemical harming Pacific Northwest salmon, and to identify safer alternatives.

On Friday, April 17, 2026, Congresswoman Strickland introduced her 6PPD Task Force Act. This legislation creates a Task Force to bridge together federal, state, tribal, and industry voices to coordinate further 6PPD-quinone (6PPD) research and identify a safe alternative.

STRICKLAND WARNS HOUSING COSTS ARE OUTPACING MILITARY ALLOWANCE   - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Congresswoman Strickland expresses concern that the Department of Defense's proposed reduction in Basic Allowance for Housing funding will not keep pace with rising housing costs, particularly affecting military families in high-cost regions like Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, and questions whether this creates a reduction in real compensation for servicemembers and their families.

Washington D.C. – On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Congresswoman Strickland questioned Lieutenant General Brian Eifler on the Basic Allowance for Housing's (BAH) ability to keep pace with rising housing costs, and questioned Lieutenant General Caroline Miller on how these rising housing costs will impact military readiness. Strickland’s remarks are transcribed below, and can be viewed here: Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland: Thank you Chairman Fallon and Ranking Member Houlahan and thank you to our witnesses for being here today and your continued service to our nation. This hearing comes at a very important time for the Force. And after several challenging years, the services have made tangible progress in stabilizing recruiting and improving quality of life for servicemembers. You professionalize recruiting and you’re meeting people where they are, and the results are showing, so thank you for that. At the same time, I represent Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which as you know in Washington state is not a low-cost region. 70 percent of those who serve live off-post, and housing costs are rising, as are many other costs. And we’re discussing a defense budget approaching approximately 1.5 trillion dollars, yet we have to ask, are we keeping pace with the rising cost of housing? In fact, the Department of Defense is requesting approximately 777 million dollars less for total Basic Allowance for Housing in 2027 compared to 2026 even as housing costs continue to rise. And I want to be clear. I recognize that every one of you, you have to make choices. You get a finite budget. You do the best you can. So, I want to start with General Eifler. In my district where JBLM is located, soldiers and families are facing rising housing costs. And I understand that you don’t build the budget, but if the Basic Allowance for Housing doesn’t keep up with costs, do you agree that many soldiers and their families will experience a reduction in their real compensation? Lieutenant General Brian Eifler: Yeah thanks, Congresswoman. I do think one – I share your concern; I share your passion to fix this. I think we’re always in competition. It seems every time we raise the rates, the communities raise the rates for things. And I think we work with the Department because I know they have a task force to sort of figure this out. How do we slow down this, you know, back and forth? And I think that’s a real concern we’ve got to continue to work on. The budgets, you know like you said, they’re getting bigger, but we continue to, you know, need more. And doing more with less is not a really good answer for our soldiers and families but that’s what we’re stuck with. Especially as you talked about, in the regions where the cost of living is already high. So that’s a challenge we are definitely trying to address. Strickland: Can you tell me which populations you believe are most at risk from this? Is it junior enlisted families or those just stationed in high-cost areas? Eifler: I think it’s all the above. I think if whether you’re a single officer, or a young officer with a family, or you're a young enlisted with a family and you’re off post. It’s tremendously more difficult. But I think they all have varied levels of challenges. And this is not just true in Washington. There’s other areas as well. And that’s something that we always as leaders we have to stay engaged on. It’s not their, you know, ‘It’s private. It’s not none of your business.’ It is your business. This is the military, and we need to make sure we’re not putting people in places and in regions where they can’t afford to do that, and I think it is our duty to try to make sure we provide for everything they need. Strickland: Alright, thank you General. General Miller – at JBLM, airmen and their families are facing the same rising housing costs, obviously. What impact do you think this has on family stability and ultimate readiness of our airmen at installations like JBLM and across the Force. Lieutenant General Caroline Miller: Well financial security is a big concern for everybody, because if you have to worry about your finances, childcare or whatever it is, infrastructure, you can’t be focused on the mission. And so, we take a lot of, we do a lot of work and analysis on how much people are making. We’ve got the basic needs assessment that we put out there and we’ve, you know, we make sure that airmen are at the appropriate levels. The challenges, to your point ma’am, is that the prices just continually go up, and they go up rapidly. I mean this is a perfect example of just the rising costs. I mean you look at gas prices one day and the next day. I mean they’re over 5 dollars here. It’s crazy. And so, we’re very concerned with that. I do expect that it’s going to negatively impact if we can’t make sure that we can compensate our airmen and all of our servicemembers appropriately. Strickland: Do you think this is affecting retention? Miller: It’s hard to make that connection right now because our retention is unbelievably high. I mean we’re sitting over 90 percent at our retention. I think that as the year and then the next year go on, subsequent years, we’ll have to make sure that we continue to watch that and see if that’s a direct link. Strickland: Great, thank you. And again, you know we’re having a discussion about dramatically increasing the defense budget, and sometimes when I talk with Ranking Member Smith we focus on the actual top line number, but it really has to be a conversation about how are we deploying the numbers, the dollars that we have. And, we have to focus on quality of life for our members. I yield back, Mr. Chair.