Congress calls for a permanent solution to the War Department's space crisis

On July 17, 1941, a congressional hearing organized by Representative Clifton Woodrum of Virginia examined proposals to address the War Department's severe shortage of administrative space. During the proceedings, Woodrum questioned Brigadier General Eugene Reybold, who represented the department, and advocated a comprehensive solution rather than the continued construction of temporary government buildings. Reybold agreed to return with a proposal within five days. The responsibility for developing that plan was subsequently assigned to General Brehon B. Somervell, the War Department's construction chief. The hearing became an important turning point in the Pentagon's early history because it accelerated the transition from discussions about overcrowded military offices to planning a consolidated headquarters capable of accommodating the department's expanding operations.