Reports
House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense: “Oversight Hearing – The United States Air Force and Space Force”
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense: Oversight Hearing – The United States Air Force and Space Force
May 6, 2025
Introduction
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a subcommittee oversight hearing over the United States Air Force and Space Force on May 6, 2025.
Key Highlights
- General Chance Saltzman outlined top priorities for the U.S. Space Force.
- Build comprehensive space domain awareness.
- Deploy mission architectures.
- Develop capacity to hold foreign adversaries space assets at risk.
- Accelerate the deployment of proliferated constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit being procured by the Space Development Agency. With more resources, the Space Force can deliver that proliferated constellation faster.
- Enhancing counter space capabilities, which include defensive and offensive technologies to counter adversaries’ anti-satellite weapons. Space Force has invested in the underlying technology, but still needs to build out capacity.
- Improve testing and training infrastructure, including simulators and digital environments to validate equipment and tactics and train operators.
Witnesses
- General B. Chance Saltzman
Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force
- Mr. Gary A. Ashworth
Acting Secretary, Department of the Air Force
- General David W. Allvin
Chief of Staff, United States Air Force
Opening Statements
Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA)
In his opening statement, Chairman Calvert (R-CA) welcomes increased defense funding in the FY26 skinny budget, especially for nuclear modernization and space capabilities, but criticizes the use of reconciliation as a funding method. The budget request includes more than $1 trillion overall for National Defense, however, it does so by assuming $113 billion in funds through reconciliation. The Chairman also raised concerns about persistent acquisition delays, such as the Sentinel breach, F-35 overruns, and GPS OCX setbacks. Chairman Calvert emphasizes the importance of programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance platform and space resiliency efforts, including questions about the Golden Dome missile defense concept. The broken defense acquisition system is highlighted, referencing Admiral Rickover’s longstanding critique of short military rotation cycles undermining program continuity. Chairman Calvert emphasized his support for ongoing innovation efforts.
Ranking Member Betty McCollum (D-MN)
In her opening statement, Ranking Member McCollum (D-MN) expresses concern over the Administration’s proposed defense spending—an $893 billion request that effectively freezes funding at current levels, and criticizes the use of reconciliation as an avenue to increase defense funding. The Ranking Member highlighted costly and delayed defense programs, like the Sentinel program nearly doubling in cost, challenges with Next Generation Air Dominance and Air Force One, concerns about F-35 cost increases due to new tariffs and the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. Ranking Member McCollum emphasizes the need for stronger program management, planning, and resourcing to achieve success.
Full Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK)
In his opening statement, Chairman Cole (R-OK) emphasized the urgent need for a capable and ready Air Force and Space Force in the face of growing global threats and adversaries who are advancing faster than the U.S. The Chairman expressed concern over delays in acquiring new technologies and stressed the importance of managing risk—especially as missions transition from air to space. Chairman Cole also highlighted issues with capability gaps, a declining manufacturing base, and the need to modernize while maintaining current assets.
General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force
In his opening statement, General Chance Saltzman discussed the role space plays in our lives, as well as how the Space Force continues to provide service to American’s every day. The General noted that space gives the U.S. a strategic advantage but that advantage can be a vulnerability if at risk from funding constraints. General Saltzman outlined top priorities for the Space Force; build comprehensive space domain awareness, deploy mission architectures, develop capacity to hold adversaries space assets at risk. The General also discussed the steps and investments the agency is taking to achieve those priorities. Additional resources will allow accelerated delivery and expanded capacity in each area.