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The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) both exercise oversight of the Department of Defense (DoD). This essay will provide an overview of the HASC and SASC oversight of the DoD, analyze the legislative authority held by the HASC and SASC in regards to the DoD, and examine the role of the HASC and SASC in defense budgeting and contracting oversight. By exploring these topics, a better understanding of the HASC

The House and Senate Armed Services Committees (HASC and SASC) have long been charged with overseeing the Department of Defense (DoD). As JM Lindsay explains in his article in Armed Forces & Society, the HASC and SASC are both “responsible for authorizing, monitoring, and overseeing the activities of the DoD” (Lindsay, 1990). These committees are responsible for developing and passing legislation that affects the DoD and its funding, as well as for conducting hearings and investigations into the DoD’s activities. The HASC and SASC have been given the power to conduct oversight of the DoD’s operations, ensuring that the department is following established policies and procedures. The committees are also expected to assess the effectiveness of the DoD’s operations and recommend changes when needed. In addition, the HASC and SASC are responsible for providing guidance and advice to the president and other senior officials on matters related to national security. As Lindsay notes, these committees are essential to ensuring that the DoD is operating in an effective and efficient manner (Lindsay, 1990).

The recent study by Posard, Reininger, and Johnson (2021) examines the legislative authority of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) in regards to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The authors argue that HASC and SASC have significant legislative authority in regards to the DoD and its related activities. They contend that the HASC and SASC have the authority to propose, amend, and pass legislation related to the DoD, and can also oversee the performance of the DoD through hearings and investigations. Additionally, they argue that the HASC and SASC have the ability to shape the DoD budget and shape policy related to the DoD, including policies related to the acquisition of weapons systems and military personnel. Furthermore, the authors assert that the HASC and SASC have the authority to oversee the implementation of legislation related to the DoD, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Lastly, they argue that the HASC and SASC have the ability to conduct oversight of the DoD’s operations, such as the use of funds and the implementation of programs. In conclusion, the authors argue that the HASC and SASC have significant legislative authority in regards to the DoD and its related activities.

In their 2021 publication in JSTOR, M Posard, H Reininger and C Johnson examine the roles of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees (HASC and SASC) in defense budgeting and contracting oversight. The HASC and SASC are responsible for overseeing the Department of Defense’s budgeting and contracting processes. The authors note that the HASC and SASC play a critical role in providing oversight and guidance on defense spending and contracts. The authors go on to explain that the HASC and SASC have the authority to review, recommend, and approve changes to the defense budget and contracts. In addition, they have the power to approve or reject proposed legislation that impacts the defense budget and contracts. The authors further explain that the HASC and SASC are also involved in the review and approval of defense acquisition regulations and policies. The HASC and SASC also have the authority to approve or reject proposed legislation that impacts the defense budget and contracts. Finally, the authors discuss the importance of the HASC and SASC in providing congressional oversight of defense spending and contracts. They point out that without the oversight, it would be difficult for the Department of Defense to effectively manage its budget and contracts. As such, the HASC and SASC play a vital role in ensuring that the Department of Defense is able to effectively manage its budget and contracts.

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) exercise oversight of the Department of Defense (DoD) through various means. They help ensure that the DoD complies with laws and regulations, including those that concern military personnel issues, equipment and supplies, budgets, overseas operations, and major contracts. Furthermore, HASC and SASC oversee the DoD’s management of funds and its responses to requests for information. Lastly, they help to monitor and improve the DoD’s performance, evaluate the allocation of resources, assist with congressional appropriations and provide advice on matters concerning national security. In conclusion, the HASC and SASC play a vital role in holding the DoD accountable by providing oversight and ensuring that it is operated efficiently and within the confines of the law.

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