WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Adam Smith (WA-09) demanded answers on the Department of Defense’s decision to end appointments to tenured positions at military service academies. Specifically, the lawmakers questioned Secretary Pete Hegseth about the Department’s legal authority for this action, its intended application, and effects on existing faculty.  

“Congress has long recognized that the service academies have a dual mission: preparing cadets and midshipmen for military service while providing a rigorous academic education,” wrote the lawmakers. “Civilian faculty play an important role in making that possible.” 

The lawmakers continued, “Given this statutory and institutional history, we are concerned about the legal basis for the Department’s new policy and whether the directive is intended to prohibit future grants of tenure or to alter the status and employment protections of faculty who are currently tenured.” 

Rep. Houlahan is Ranking Member of the House Military Personnel Subcommittee and Rep. Smith is Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. The Members were joined by Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Pat Ryan (NY-18), representing the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), representing the U.S. Naval Academy, Joe Courtney (CT-02), representing the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).   

Secretary Hegseth is asked to provide a response by October 16, 2026. The full letter can be found here.  

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