Arizona Politics

Schweikert Amendments for Using AI to Audit Pentagon Pass House

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025, a crucial piece of legislation, has recently passed the House. It includes amendments, spearheaded by Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ), that are of utmost importance. These amendments mandate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to audit the Pentagon, a move that is both timely and necessary.

At the beginning of May, Rep. Schweikert spoke on the House floor, highlighting the Department of Defense's inability to produce a clean audit, meaning it could not adequately account for its spending data.

"Why do we tolerate that? Why isn't this Body losing its mind over something like that? Just from a national security standpoint, how do you know if maybe they need more, maybe they need less, maybe we have too much of something? We don't know!" the Arizona Congressman said.

As a result, Rep. Schweikert introduced two amendments to the NDAA related to using AI for auditing purposes. Amendment 985 requires the Secretary of Defense and Inspector General of the DOD to develop such an AI to audit the Pentagon, making the process much easier.

The second amendment, Amendment 1010, is equally significant, and requires the Undersecretary (Comptroller) of Defense to annually report on how AI and similar systems could save money within 90 days of its enactment. This reporting requirement could potentially uncover significant cost savings, a crucial aspect in the efficient management of the Department of Defense's budget.

"We've just passed year six where the Pentagon has been described as functionally un-auditable. What if we thought creatively and allowed AI to help us identify what we actually have in our DOD inventory? We ought to protect the American taxpayer, but also protect our national defense by knowing what we own, and what we don't own?" Schweikert asked in his press release.

The passage of these amendments follows a similar victory for Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ), whose amendments to the 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill protecting veterans' gun rights passed the House.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

Recent Posts

Arizona Storm Knocks Out Solar Power, ACC Kevin Thompson Reveals Challenges During Peak Hours

A powerful dust storm that hit Arizona this week caused major problems for the state's…

9 hours ago

AG Mayes Joins National Coalition to Protect Children from Inappropriate AI Technology

Arizona's Attorney General Kris Mayes has teamed up with 44 other state attorneys general to…

9 hours ago

Rep. Crane Praises Copper Being Added to the 2025 Critical Minerals List

Representative Eli Crane is praising a significant federal decision that could boost Arizona's mining sector…

11 hours ago

AG Mayes Has Called For A Lawsuit Against Fraudulent Real-Estate Company

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a civil lawsuit against what she alleges is…

11 hours ago

SNAKEBITE— 8.27.25— Ciscomani Relaunches Colorado River Caucus— Lake on Voice of America— New Policy Team, Biggs Leads, McCain, D.C., Much More...

Ciscomani Relaunches Colorado River Caucus Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has relaunched the bipartisan Colorado River…

12 hours ago

Ciscomani Relaunches Bipartisan Colorado River Caucus

Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has relaunched the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus to bring together the…

1 day ago