House Panel Approves Restoration of Non-Confederate Military Base Names

The House Armed Services Committee voted Thursday to reinstate the names recommended by a congressional commission in 2023 for nine southern U.S. military bases, reversing changes made during the Trump administration that honored different service members with similar last names as Confederate officers. The committee approved Rep. Marilyn Strickland's amendment on a narrow 29-27 vote after a spirited debate lasting nearly half an hour.

Strickland argued that the previous administration's decision to revert base names was hurtful and disregarded congressional law. She cited examples such as Fort Lee in Virginia, which had been renamed Fort Gregg-Adams but is now slated to be called Fort Walker, honoring a Buffalo soldier who received the Medal of Honor. The amendment aims to honor military personnel while avoiding the glorification of Confederate legacies.

Supporters of Strickland's proposal included Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who stated that his Virginia ancestor fought for the Union and would disapprove of naming bases after Confederate leaders. Bacon emphasized that both chambers of Congress had previously approved renaming these bases but were overridden by a presidential veto.

Opponents, however, argued that longstanding base names are widely recognized and hold significant meaning for troops stationed there. Rep. Pat Fallon from Texas questioned where the renamings would end if judged solely by current moral standards. Similarly, Rep. John McGuire suggested that history should be taught rather than erased, advocating for a balanced approach to historical figures.

The amendment, if passed into law, will see Fort A.P. Hill renamed as Fort Walker, Fort Bragg becoming Fort Liberty, and Fort Benning being rechristened as Fort Moore among others. The decision reflects ongoing debates within the U.S. military regarding how to address its complex history while maintaining respect for current service members and veterans.