The Senate Armed Services Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the national defense and military policy of the United States. This standing committee of the United States Senate exercises legislative oversight over the Department of Defense, the military services, and related national security matters. Understanding its structure and membership is vital for anyone tracking US defense policy and legislative processes.
This committee is responsible for authorizing defense spending and overseeing military operations, making it one of the most influential committees in Congress. Its work directly impacts the readiness, modernization, and overall strength of the US armed forces. The committee’s purview includes a broad spectrum of issues, from weapons systems procurement and military personnel policies to international security alliances and emerging defense technologies.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is composed of both majority and minority party members, reflecting the partisan balance in the Senate. The current composition includes a Chairman from the majority party and a Ranking Member from the minority party, who lead the committee’s activities and negotiations. In addition to the full committee, there are several subcommittees, each focusing on specific areas of defense policy and oversight. These subcommittees allow for a more granular examination of the complex issues under the committee’s jurisdiction.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the membership of the Senate Armed Services Committee and its subcommittees. This list provides an overview of the senators currently serving on this important committee, offering insights into the individuals shaping US defense policy.
| Senate Armed Services Committee – Full Committee | |
|---|---|
| Total Members: 27 | Website: http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/ |
| Subcommittees (7): Subcommittee on Airland, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Subcommittee on Personnel, Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Subcommittee on Seapower, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces | |
| Majority Members (14) | Minority Members (13) |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Chairman | Reed, Jack (RI), Ranking Member |
| Fischer, Deb (NE) | Shaheen, Jeanne (NH) |
| Cotton, Tom (AR) | Gillibrand, Kirsten E. (NY) |
| Rounds, Mike (SD) | Blumenthal, Richard (CT) |
| Ernst, Joni (IA) | Hirono, Mazie K. (HI) |
| Sullivan, Dan (AK) | Kaine, Tim (VA) |
| Cramer, Kevin (ND) | King, Angus S. (ME) |
| Scott, Rick (FL) | Warren, Elizabeth (MA) |
| Tuberville, Tommy (AL) | Peters, Gary C. (MI) |
| Mullin, Markwayne (OK) | Duckworth, Tammy (IL) |
| Budd, Ted (NC) | Rosen, Jacky (NV) |
| Schmitt, Eric (MO) | Kelly, Mark (AZ) |
| Banks, Jim (IN) | Slotkin, Elissa (MI) |
| Sheehy, Tim (MT) |
Subcommittee on Airland
Total Members: 15
This subcommittee is focused on matters related to Army and Air Force programs, including aircraft, missiles, and other ground and air-based systems. They oversee the modernization and readiness of these critical components of the US military.
| Majority Members (8) | Minority Members (7) |
|---|---|
| Cramer, Kevin (ND), Chairman | Kelly, Mark (AZ), Ranking Member |
| Fischer, Deb (NE) | Blumenthal, Richard (CT) |
| Cotton, Tom (AR) | King, Angus S. (ME) |
| Sullivan, Dan (AK) | Peters, Gary C. (MI) |
| Mullin, Markwayne (OK) | Duckworth, Tammy (IL) |
| Budd, Ted (NC) | Slotkin, Elissa (MI) |
| Schmitt, Eric (MO) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity
Total Members: 11
The Cybersecurity Subcommittee addresses the growing challenges of cyber warfare and digital security within the military and defense infrastructure. This includes oversight of cyber operations, defensive measures, and the development of cyber-related technologies.
| Majority Members (6) | Minority Members (5) |
|---|---|
| Rounds, Mike (SD), Chairman | Rosen, Jacky (NV), Ranking Member |
| Cotton, Tom (AR) | Gillibrand, Kirsten E. (NY) |
| Ernst, Joni (IA) | Peters, Gary C. (MI) |
| Budd, Ted (NC) | Slotkin, Elissa (MI) |
| Schmitt, Eric (MO) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
Total Members: 17
This subcommittee examines future challenges and opportunities in defense, focusing on emerging technologies, unconventional warfare, and asymmetric threats. They play a key role in ensuring the US military remains ahead of evolving global security landscapes.
| Majority Members (9) | Minority Members (8) |
|---|---|
| Ernst, Joni (IA), Chairman | Slotkin, Elissa (MI), Ranking Member |
| Cotton, Tom (AR) | Shaheen, Jeanne (NH) |
| Rounds, Mike (SD) | Gillibrand, Kirsten E. (NY) |
| Cramer, Kevin (ND) | Kaine, Tim (VA) |
| Mullin, Markwayne (OK) | Peters, Gary C. (MI) |
| Budd, Ted (NC) | Rosen, Jacky (NV) |
| Schmitt, Eric (MO) | Kelly, Mark (AZ) |
| Sheehy, Tim (MT) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
Subcommittee on Personnel
Total Members: 11
The Personnel Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing military personnel policies, healthcare, and readiness. This includes issues related to recruitment, training, compensation, and the well-being of service members and their families.
| Majority Members (6) | Minority Members (5) |
|---|---|
| Tuberville, Tommy (AL), Chairman | Warren, Elizabeth (MA), Ranking Member |
| Ernst, Joni (IA) | Blumenthal, Richard (CT) |
| Scott, Rick (FL) | Hirono, Mazie K. (HI) |
| Budd, Ted (NC) | Duckworth, Tammy (IL) |
| Banks, Jim (IN) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support
Total Members: 13
This subcommittee focuses on the readiness of the armed forces, as well as the management and support functions of the Department of Defense. Their oversight includes logistics, infrastructure, maintenance, and the efficient use of defense resources.
| Majority Members (7) | Minority Members (6) |
|---|---|
| Sullivan, Dan (AK), Chairman | Hirono, Mazie K. (HI), Ranking Member |
| Fischer, Deb (NE) | Shaheen, Jeanne (NH) |
| Cramer, Kevin (ND) | Kaine, Tim (VA) |
| Scott, Rick (FL) | Warren, Elizabeth (MA) |
| Schmitt, Eric (MO) | Duckworth, Tammy (IL) |
| Sheehy, Tim (MT) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
Subcommittee on Seapower
Total Members: 13
The Seapower Subcommittee has jurisdiction over Navy and Marine Corps programs, including shipbuilding, naval aviation, and amphibious warfare capabilities. They are crucial for maintaining the strength and global reach of US naval forces.
| Majority Members (7) | Minority Members (6) |
|---|---|
| Scott, Rick (FL), Chairman | Kaine, Tim (VA), Ranking Member |
| Sullivan, Dan (AK) | Shaheen, Jeanne (NH) |
| Tuberville, Tommy (AL) | Blumenthal, Richard (CT) |
| Mullin, Markwayne (OK) | Hirono, Mazie K. (HI) |
| Banks, Jim (IN) | King, Angus S. (ME) |
| Sheehy, Tim (MT) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Total Members: 13
This subcommittee is concerned with the most sensitive aspects of national security, including nuclear weapons, missile defense, and space programs. They provide oversight for strategic deterrence and advanced military technologies.
| Majority Members (7) | Minority Members (6) |
|---|---|
| Fischer, Deb (NE), Chairman | King, Angus S. (ME), Ranking Member |
| Cotton, Tom (AR) | Gillibrand, Kirsten E. (NY) |
| Rounds, Mike (SD) | Warren, Elizabeth (MA) |
| Cramer, Kevin (ND) | Rosen, Jacky (NV) |
| Tuberville, Tommy (AL) | Kelly, Mark (AZ) |
| Banks, Jim (IN) | Reed, Jack (RI), Ex Officio |
| Wicker, Roger F. (MS), Ex Officio |
