A significant legislative development has emerged as H.R. 5389, titled the Restoring the United States Department of War Act, is introduced to Congress. Currently sponsored by Representative Tim Burchett, this bill seeks to reinstate a governmental structure that once existed in American history.
The core objective of this bill is to formally restore the Department of War, a name and entity that many associate with a prior era of military governance. With its introduction on September 16, 2025, the bill has yet to gain any cosponsors, marking a potentially challenging path ahead through the legislative process.
One of the key elements outlined in the legislation is the codification of Executive Order 14347. This executive order pertains to the restoration of the Department of War and, by including it in the bill, proponents aim to imbue it with the full force and effect of law.
The ramifications of this proposed legislation are profound. If passed, this bill would effectively dissolve the Department of Defense as it is known today and re-establish the Department of War, which would take on the responsibilities for military operations and defense strategies.
Thus, a significant shift in the management and organization of military operations at the federal level is anticipated. The proposed Department of War would be tasked with overseeing all military strategy, operations, and other defense-related activities—functions that the Department of Defense currently handles.
This legislative shift opens discussions regarding the restructuring of military leadership and decision-making processes within the federal government. Furthermore, there are concerns about the implications for military budgeting as funding may swing back toward a focus on war-related expenditures under the new Department of War.
The transition could also prompt a reevaluation of existing protocols and procedures related to military operations, necessitating substantial revisions to accommodate the new governance structure.
As the bill enters the public sphere, it is expected to incite significant political and public discourse around changing military policies and defense strategies. The debate will likely revolve around the appropriateness of shifting from a Department of Defense back to a Department of War and what that means for U.S. military engagement.
In tandem with this legislation, relevant defense companies are poised to feel the impact of these changes. Companies such as Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT), Boeing Company (BA), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC), and Raytheon Technologies (RHOV) are closely monitoring the situation, as changes to military structure could lead to shifts in contracts and procurement processes tied to defense spending.
Representative Tim Burchett’s involvement does not end with this bill alone. Alongside H.R. 5389, he has also proposed a series of other legislative measures, including the UAP Whistleblower Protection Act (H.R. 5060) and several executive order acts ranging from H.R. 3840 to H.R. 3837.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Burchett’s proposals introduce new questions about military governance and congressional spending priorities. Quiver Quantitative estimates that as of September 25, 2025, Representative Tim Burchett holds a net worth of approximately $41.5K, ranking him as the 477th highest in Congress.
Additionally, he has invested roughly $9.0K in publicly traded assets. Recent data indicates that Burchett engaged in stock trading transactions amounting to about $15.0K, with one of his most notable sales in 2020 involving up to $15K of stock that has since depreciated significantly.
As details surrounding the Restoring the United States Department of War Act emerge, the conversations and debates surrounding it will inevitably influence future defense policies and military structure.
image source from:quiverquant