Rogers, Mike D.

Mike Rogers represents Alabama's 3rd congressional district and has served as Chair of the House Armed Services Committee since January 2023. As chair of this powerful committee, Rogers sets the agenda for the panel that drafts the annual National Defense Authorization Act and oversees the Pentagon's budget and priorities. The committee authorizes roughly half of all federal discretionary spending, giving Rogers significant influence over military policy and defense priorities.

Rogers brings substantial expertise in national security matters to his role. A lawyer and former small business owner, he served on the Calhoun County Commission starting at age 28 and in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1994 to 2002, where he became minority leader. Since his election to Congress in 2002, he has focused on military readiness and national security issues. He previously served as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee from 2021 to 2023 and as Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee from 2019 to 2021.

As chair, Rogers has prioritized several key initiatives. He was instrumental in creating the U.S. Space Force, working with then-ranking Democrat Jim Cooper to develop legislation establishing space as a separate military domain. He has emphasized military lethality and readiness while advocating for increased defense budgets to counter threats from China and other adversaries. His district includes the Anniston Army Depot, and he has been a consistent advocate for military installations and personnel in East Alabama.

Rogers is the first congressman from Alabama to chair the full Armed Services Committee. He is known for working across party lines on defense matters, though he has also taken strong partisan positions on other issues. His legislative priorities reflect his focus on national security, military modernization, and technological advancement in defense capabilities.