Democratic leaders say the renewed panel will counter global threats and the Trump administration on foreign policy.
House Democrats have relaunched their National Security Task Force, aiming to assert stronger congressional oversight of foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
The task force, led by House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), has four co-chairs: Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, and Derek Tran of California. All four have a military background and emphasized their continued commitment to public service as they outlined their vision for the group.
“House Democrats are committed to keeping the American people safe, protecting American interests and ensuring America remains the leader of the free world,” Aguilar said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said that Trump and House Republicans lacked “the courage and moral clarity” needed to navigate national security challenges.
The task force will focus on issues ranging from Russian aggression in Ukraine and China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific to the internal decisions shaping U.S. foreign policy, according to the statement. Members say the group will also scrutinize the president’s strike on Iran over the weekend, which Aguilar said occurred without congressional approval.
Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he would bring a “servant leadership” approach to the task force.
“My time in the Army taught me the essence of servant leadership,” he said. “Servant leaders lead by example, jumping out of the plane first and eating last. Sadly, this is not the leadership we are seeing from President Trump. Instead, this administration’s reckless actions are making us less safe. As the co-chair of the House Democrats’ National Security Task Force, I will work to protect America’s national security and hold the Trump administration accountable.”
Goodlander, a Navy Reserve intelligence officer, said the task force would offer steady leadership in a time of what she called global uncertainty.
“America needs fighters in the United States Congress who will cut through the chaos, lead with a can-do spirit, and deliver on strengthening our national security and keeping the American people safe,” she said.
By Chase Smith
