HASC Sets Up New Subcommittees to Focus on Cybersecurity, Intelligence, Special Ops

The House Armed Services Committee has introduced two new subcommittees to share the portfolio of the now defunct intelligence and emerging threats and capabilities subcommittee.

The first subcommittee, to be chaired by Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., will be dedicated to cybersecurity, emerging technologies and information systems. Another subcommittee, which will be led by Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., was established to provide oversight on intelligence and special operations, FCW reported. 

According to the HASC website, the cyber, innovative technologies and information systems subcommittee will oversee the development of defense policies related to the acquisition of computer software, the electromagnetic spectrum, and electromagnetic warfare. The new subcommittee also has jurisdiction over defense policy, programs and accounts concerning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cyber operations, cyber forces, information technology, information operations and science and technology. 

The cybersecurity subcommittee has long been in the works but concerns over an overlap in jurisdiction have pushed back its establishment.

Indeed, Langevin told FCW in a previous interview that about 80 different committees and subcommittees share responsibility for cyber policies. Nevertheless, Langevin advocated for the establishment of the House panel, citing the need to streamline policy development concerning cybersecurity. 

On the other hand, the subcommittee on intelligence and special operations will conduct policy hearings related to military intelligence, national intelligence, countering weapons of mass destruction, counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, other sensitive military operations and special operations forces.

In a joint statement, Langevin and Rep. Adam Smith, chairman of the HASC, stressed the importance of redoubling efforts to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future requirements amid the continued advancement of technology.