USA Changes Name of Defense Department

Jun 5, 2026, 21:18
USPolitics
A2

USA Changes Name of Defense Department

美國更改國防部名稱

Introduction

A group of leaders in the House of Representatives voted to change the name of the Department of Defense. Now, it will be the Department of War.

眾議院的一組領導人投票決定更改國防部的名稱。現在，它將被稱為「戰爭部」。

Main Body

President Trump wanted this change. He likes the old name from many years ago. He and Pete Hegseth say this name shows the USA is strong. They want other countries to be afraid of their army.

川普總統希望進行這次變更。他喜歡許多年前的舊名稱。他與 Pete Hegseth 表示，這個名稱顯示美國很強大。他們希望其他國家對他們的軍隊感到恐懼。

Some other leaders do not like this. They say the name change is not important. They also worry about money. It could cost between 52 million and 125 million dollars to change the name.

其他一些領導人不喜歡這樣做。他們認為更改名稱並不重要。他們也擔心資金問題，更改名稱可能會花費 5,200 萬至 1.25 億美元。

Many leaders disagree about the money for the army. The total cost is over 1 trillion dollars. They also disagree about the war with Iran.

許多領導人在軍費問題上意見分歧。總成本超過 1 兆美元。他們對於與伊朗的戰爭也存在分歧。

Conclusion

The House will vote on this soon. Then, the Senate must agree to the change.

眾議院很快將就此投票。接著，參議院必須同意這次變更。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ Quick Logic: "Want" vs "Like"

In this text, we see how to talk about desires and feelings using simple words:

  • Want →\rightarrow used for a goal or a change.

    • Example: "President Trump wanted this change."
    • Example: "They want other countries to be afraid."

  • Like →\rightarrow used for a preference or a feeling.

    • Example: "He likes the old name."
    • Example: "Some other leaders do not like this."

The Simple Rule: Use Want when you need something to happen →\rightarrow Use Like when you enjoy something.

💰 Money Words

Look at how the text describes costs:

  • Cost →\rightarrow The price of something. ("It could cost 52 million.")
  • Total cost →\rightarrow Everything added together. ("The total cost is over 1 trillion.")

Vocabulary Learning

defense (n.)
Protecting a country or person from attack
Example:The army is responsible for the national defense.
representatives (n.)
People chosen to speak or make decisions for others
Example:The representatives voted on the new law.
strong (adj.)
Having a lot of power
Example:The athlete is very strong and can lift heavy weights.
afraid (adj.)
Feeling fear or worry
Example:The small cat is afraid of the big dog.
important (adj.)
Having a great effect or value
Example:Water is important for all living things.
disagree (v.)
To have a different opinion from someone else
Example:I disagree with you about the best color for the room.
total (adj.)
The whole amount of something
Example:The total cost of the groceries was twenty dollars.
B2

House Committee Approves Changing Department of Defense Name to Department of War

眾議院委員會通過將國防部更名為戰爭部

Introduction

The House Armed Services Committee has voted along party lines to permanently change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War.

眾議院軍事委員會已按黨派分歧投票，決定將國防部永久更名為戰爭部。

Main Body

The idea for this name change started with an executive order from President Donald Trump in September. This order allowed the government to return to a title used by the U.S. military before 1947. This change was officially added to the annual National Defense Authorization Act through an amendment by Representative Ronny Jackson. Supporters, including President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasized that using the word 'War' sends a strong signal of determination and discourages enemies by showing a commitment to military victory.

這次更名的構想始於總統川普在九月發布的一項行政命令。該命令允許政府恢復使用 1947 年前美國軍方所使用的名稱。這項變更透過眾議員 Ronny Jackson 提出的修正案，正式加入到年度《國防授權法案》中。包括川普總統與 Pete Hegseth 部長在內的支持者強調，使用「戰爭」一詞能發出強而有力的決心信號，透過展現對軍事勝利的承諾來威懾敵人。

However, the proposal faced strong opposition from Democratic members of the committee. Representative Adam Smith asserted that the change is meaningless, while Representative Pat Ryan described it as a symbolic gesture rather than a practical move. Furthermore, there are concerns about the cost. While the Department of Defense estimated the cost at around $52 million, the Congressional Budget Office suggested it could be anywhere from a few million to $125 million, depending on how it is carried out.

然而，該提案遭到委員會中民主黨成員的強烈反對。眾議員 Adam Smith 主張這次更名毫無意義，而眾議員 Pat Ryan 則將其描述為象徵性舉措而非實際行動。此外，成本問題也引起關注。雖然國防部估計成本約為 5,200 萬美元，但國會預算辦公室指出，根據執行方式的不同，成本可能在數百萬美元至 1.25 億美元之間。

This amendment has increased the political divide within the larger defense bill. Although the overall National Defense Authorization Act passed the committee with a 44-12 vote, the renaming part caused significant disagreement. Democratic members cited the massive budget of $1 trillion to $1.15 trillion and a lack of oversight regarding the conflict with Iran as the main reasons for their opposition.

這項修正案加深了大型國防法案內部的政治分歧。儘管整體的《國防授權法案》以 44 比 12 票通過委員會，但更名部分引起了顯著分歧。民主黨成員將 1 兆至 1.15 兆美元的巨額預算以及對伊朗衝突缺乏監督，列為反對的主要原因。

Conclusion

The renaming proposal will now go to a full House vote, but it will only become law if the Senate also approves it.

更名提案現在將提交眾議院全體投票，但僅在參議院也通過後才會正式成為法律。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Jump': Moving from Simple to Nuanced Descriptions

At an A2 level, you describe things as good, bad, big, or small. To reach B2, you need to express intent and impact. In this text, we find a perfect bridge: the shift from describing an action to describing a symbol.

🛠️ The Power of "Symbolic" vs. "Practical"

Look at these two opposing views from the article:

  • The Supporters: They say the name "War" sends a strong signal and shows determination.
  • The Critics: They call it a symbolic gesture and a meaningless change.

The Linguistic Shift: Instead of saying "This is a bad idea" (A2), a B2 speaker says "This is a symbolic gesture."

  • Practical: Something that actually changes how things work. (e.g., Changing the budget is a practical move.)
  • Symbolic: Something that looks important or sends a message, but doesn't actually change the reality. (e.g., Changing a name is a symbolic move.)

📈 Elevating Your Contrast Connectors

Stop using "But" for everything. This text uses "However" and "Furthermore" to build a professional argument.

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Advanced)Why?
But the cost is high.However, there are concerns about the cost.It creates a formal pause and signals a shift in logic.
And it costs a lot.Furthermore, the CBO suggested it could be $125 million.It adds a stronger piece of evidence to the argument.

🧠 Vocabulary Upgrade: The 'Impact' Word Bank

Replace your basic verbs with these high-impact alternatives found in the text:

  • Instead of said →\rightarrow Asserted (To say something with confidence and force).
  • Instead of show →\rightarrow Emphasize (To make something very clear because it is important).
  • Instead of disagree →\rightarrow Opposition (The act of fighting against a plan or idea).

Vocabulary Learning

amendment (n.)
A minor change or addition to a legal document, bill, or constitution.
Example:The representative proposed an amendment to the bill to increase funding for education.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the exam.
determination (n.)
The quality of being resolute and firm in one's purpose or decision.
Example:Her determination to win the race inspired everyone in the stadium.
asserted (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that his client was innocent of all charges.
symbolic (adj.)
Serving as a symbol; representing something else rather than being literal or practical.
Example:The white dove is widely regarded as a symbolic representation of peace.
oversight (n.)
The action of overseeing or supervising a process or organization.
Example:The committee provides legislative oversight to ensure the agency spends its budget correctly.
C2

House Armed Services Committee Approves Codification of Department of War Designation

眾議院軍事委員會通過將「戰爭部」名稱法制化

Introduction

The House Armed Services Committee has voted along party lines to permanently rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

眾議院軍事委員會根據政黨分歧投票，決定將國防部永久更名為戰爭部。

Main Body

The legislative impetus for this nomenclature shift originated from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in September, which authorized the transition to a title utilized by the American military bureaucracy prior to the National Security Act of 1947. This administrative preference was formally integrated into the annual National Defense Authorization Act via an amendment introduced by Representative Ronny Jackson. Proponents of the measure, including President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth, posit that the restoration of the 'War' designation serves as a strategic signal of resolve and enhances deterrence by emphasizing a commitment to decisive military victory.

此次更名的立法動力源自於川普總統在九月發布的一項行政命令，授權恢復 1947 年《國家安全法》之前美國軍事官僚機構所使用的稱號。這項行政偏好透過羅尼·傑克遜議員提出的一項修正案，正式納入年度《國防授權法案》中。該措施的支持者，包括川普總統與皮特·海格塞斯部長，認為恢復「戰爭」這一稱號是一個戰略性的決心信號，透過強調對決定性軍事勝利的承諾來強化威懾力。

Conversely, the proposal has encountered significant opposition from Democratic members of the committee. Representative Adam Smith characterized the initiative as semantically inconsequential, while Representative Pat Ryan described the action as performative. Beyond ideological objections, fiscal concerns have been raised regarding the implementation costs. While the Department of Defense estimated the expenditure at approximately $52 million, the Congressional Budget Office provided a broader projection, suggesting costs could range from several million to $125 million depending on the scope of execution.

相反地，該提案遭到委員會中民主黨成員的強烈反對。亞當·史密斯議員認為此舉在語義上是微不足道的，而帕特·萊恩議員則將此行動形容為一種表演。除了意識形態的異議，相關人士也對實施成本提出了財政憂慮。雖然國防部估計支出約為 5,200 萬美元，但國會預算辦公室提供了一個較寬的預測，建議成本根據執行範圍而定，可能在數百萬美元至 1.25 億美元之間。

This specific amendment has intensified partisan divergence within the broader defense policy bill. Although the National Defense Authorization Act passed the committee with a 44-12 bipartisan vote, the renaming provision contributed to the most partisan division on the legislation in recent years. Democratic dissenters cited the $1 trillion to $1.15 trillion budgetary requirements and a perceived lack of oversight regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran as primary drivers for their opposition.

這項特定的修正案加劇了整體國防政策法案中的黨派分歧。雖然《國防授權法案》以 44 比 12 的跨黨派投票通過委員會，但更名條款導致近年來該立法出現了最嚴重的黨派分歧。民主黨反對者指出，1 兆至 1.15 兆美元的預算要求，以及認為對目前與伊朗衝突缺乏監管，是他們反對的主要原因。

Conclusion

The renaming provision now moves toward a full House vote, though its eventual enactment remains contingent upon Senate approval.

更名條款現在將進入眾議院全體投票，但最終能否實行仍取決於參議院的批准。

Vocabulary Learning

The Art of 'Semantic Weight' and Nominalization

To move from B2 to C2, a student must stop merely describing actions and start manipulating concepts. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) into nouns (entities)—to create an air of objective, bureaucratic authority.

◈ The Mechanism of Displacement

Look at the phrase: "The legislative impetus for this nomenclature shift originated from..."

  • B2 Approach: "The reason they changed the name started with..."
  • C2 Sophistication: The author replaces the action ("they changed") with a complex noun phrase ("nomenclature shift"). This removes the human agent and elevates the discourse to a systemic level.

◈ Precision in 'Abstract Labeling'

C2 mastery requires the use of words that do not just mean 'important' or 'different,' but specify the nature of the difference. Note these high-level choices:

  • "Semantically inconsequential": Instead of saying "it doesn't change the meaning," the author uses semantically (relating to meaning) and inconsequential (lacking importance). This is clinical, precise, and dismissive.
  • "Performative": A quintessential C2 adjective. It suggests that an action is not intended to achieve a practical result but is instead a 'performance' for an audience.
  • "Partisan divergence": Rather than "political disagreement," divergence implies a structural splitting apart, mirroring the actual political climate described.

◈ Syntactic Density: The 'Compressed' Sentence

Observe the structure: "...its eventual enactment remains contingent upon Senate approval."

This sentence avoids the weak "it depends on" structure. By using "remains contingent upon," the writer establishes a formal relationship of dependency.

The C2 Pivot: To replicate this, focus on replacing common verbs (depend, cause, show) with Latinate Nominal Constructs:

  • Cause →\rightarrow The impetus for...
  • Depend on →\rightarrow Be contingent upon...
  • Difference →\rightarrow Divergence/Disparity...

Vocabulary Learning

codification (n.)
The action or process of arranging laws, rules, or regulations into a systematic code.
Example:The codification of the new tax laws ensured that all legal ambiguities were removed.
impetus (n.)
The force or energy with which a body moves; a driving force or incentive.
Example:The sudden economic crisis provided the impetus for the government to implement sweeping financial reforms.
nomenclature (n.)
A system of names or terms, or the nomenclature of a particular specialty.
Example:The scientific nomenclature used in biology allows researchers worldwide to identify species accurately.
posit (v.)
To put forward as a basis of argument; to suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning.
Example:Economists posit that a reduction in interest rates will stimulate consumer spending.
deterrence (n.)
The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling fear of the consequences.
Example:The deployment of advanced missile systems is intended as a strategic deterrence against foreign aggression.
semantically (adv.)
Relating to meaning in language or logic.
Example:The two terms are semantically similar, although they are used in different professional contexts.
performative (adj.)
Relating to a performance; often used to describe an action intended to produce a certain effect or impression rather than to achieve a practical result.
Example:Critics argued that the politician's gesture was merely performative and lacked any real policy substance.
divergence (n.)
The process or state of diverging; a difference in opinion, interest, or development.
Example:There is a growing divergence between the two parties regarding the approach to climate change.
contingent (adj.)
Subject to chance; depending on something else in order to happen.
Example:The success of the merger is contingent upon the approval of the regulatory board.
Practice All words in a crossword→