The House Armed Services Committee adopted a provision Thursday that would require the Pentagon to tell Congress within five days why senior uniformed military officers are fired, transferred or relieved of duty, signalling a bipartisan rebuke to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's unexplained leadership shake-ups.

Pentagon Would Face New Reporting Rule

The requirement, introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), was added to the committee's draft of the annual National Defense Authorization Act by voice vote and without objections.

The measure comes after Hegseth fired or sidelined about two dozen senior military officers since taking over the Pentagon, prompting concern from lawmakers in both parties that experienced leaders are being removed with little explanation.

The provision would require the Pentagon to submit a report describing the "performance concerns, actions, or inactions" that led to a senior officer's removal, transfer or relief of duty.

Measure Still Faces Long Legislative Path

A Politico report notes that its adoption does not mean it will become law. The full House and Senate would still have to approve the language before a final defense policy bill reaches President Donald Trump's desk, a process likely to stretch into the fall.

Still, the measure's inclusion among uncontroversial amendments signals growing unease over Hegseth's personnel decisions and the limited information shared with Congress.

Earlier this year, Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, a widely respected officer who had more than a year left in what is normally a four-year term. Some House Republicans questioned the move and praised George's record, including progress on recruiting and Army modernization. George used a farewell message to urge "leaders of character" after his dismissal.

Hegseth Defends Silence On Firings

George's ouster followed other high-level removals, including former Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown, former Navy Chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti and senior officers in the Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Cyber Command.

At an April appearance before the committee, Hegseth declined to explain George's departure "out of respect to these officers."

"We don't talk about the nature of that, and we all serve at the pleasure of the president," Hegseth said.