Bacon, Don

Don Bacon represents Nebraska's 2nd congressional district and serves as chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation in the 119th Congress. As subcommittee chair, he sets the agenda for oversight and legislation governing military cybersecurity, information technology systems, and technological innovation within the Department of Defense. This role carries significant power to schedule hearings, advance legislation, and shape defense technology policy during a period of heightened geopolitical competition.

Bacon brings substantial expertise to this position through his 29-year career as a U.S. Air Force officer, retiring as a brigadier general in 2014 after commanding wings at major installations including Offutt Air Base near Omaha. His military background in command and operations provides direct experience with the cybersecurity and technology challenges facing the armed forces. He also serves on the full Armed Services Committee and its Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, deepening his influence over defense priorities.

Since returning to the 119th Congress, Bacon has been notably vocal on national security matters, particularly regarding military leadership and strategic decisions. He called for the firing of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over unauthorized use of communication channels to discuss military plans, and criticized the firing of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and NSA Director Timothy Haugh. His subcommittee chairmanship positions him to investigate and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities and technology gaps in the military, areas where he has demonstrated active concern.

Bacon is widely regarded as a centrist Republican and problem-solver. He was ranked the most effective Republican lawmaker in the 117th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. His district, which includes Omaha and surrounding areas, has voted for Democratic presidential candidates in recent elections, making him a political maverick who frequently breaks with his party on major votes. He has been among the most prominent Republican critics of the second Trump administration, opposing isolationist trade policies and advocating for continued support of Ukraine. In June 2025, he announced he would not seek reelection in 2026, citing dysfunction in Washington and a desire to spend more time with his grandchildren.