# Plain Language Summary: Peace Through Strength Act of 2025

This bill would change the official name of the Department of Defense to the "Department of War." That means everywhere in federal law where you see "Department of Defense," it would now say "Department of War" instead. The head of this department, currently called the Secretary of Defense, would be renamed the Secretary of War. The same naming change would apply to other officials within the department, like the Deputy Secretary of Defense, who would become the Deputy Secretary of War.

The bill's supporters argue that the name "Department of War" better reflects the military's strength and sends a stronger message to other countries about America's willingness and ability to fight. According to the bill, Congress believes this name change demonstrates resolve and focuses attention on national interests and military readiness. The bill references the historical fact that the original department was called the Department of War when it was established in 1789, and it was under this name that major military victories occurred, including World War II.

In practical terms, this is primarily a symbolic change. The actual operations, structure, and functions of the military department would remain exactly the same—only the name on the letterhead and in official documents would change. All existing laws, rules, and regulations that currently reference the Department of Defense would automatically be understood to refer to the Department of War instead. For most Americans, this change would have no direct impact on their daily lives, though it does represent a shift in how the government chooses to brand and describe its military operations.