Some Democrats have raised concerns about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent directive that aims to streamline Pentagon interactions with Congress through the Central Legislative Affairs Office. This order necessitates that Pentagon officials seek permission from the department’s chief legislative office before initiating contact with Congress or its aides. Lawmakers worry this might inhibit the free flow of information to Capitol Hill.
In a memo dated October 15, Hegseth and his aide, Steve Feinberg, emphasized that even well-meaning actions by staff could disrupt important department goals. Their directive applies broadly, impacting top military leaders, service chiefs, and various Pentagon officials, though the Office of Inspector General is not included.
Some Senate Democrats are criticizing Hegseth, claiming the memo undermines congressional oversight and possibly violates legal boundaries. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued the memo contradicts the essential oversight role Congress plays, especially given the vast budget allocated to the Pentagon. He strongly believes that taxpayer money, which exceeds $1 trillion, deserves thorough oversight, deeming the memo “inappropriate and possibly illegal.”
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), who holds the top Democratic position on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed his deep concerns about the memo’s implications, suggesting it illustrates a trend of limiting communication between the Pentagon and Congress, which he views as detrimental to obtaining timely information.
Smith also voiced dissatisfaction with the current administration’s transparency, noting that it has become increasingly challenging to get answers to even basic inquiries from the committee. He stressed the need for the Pentagon to collaborate openly with Congress to fulfill constitutional responsibilities concerning oversight.
The memo instructs that all requests for information and other communications with Congress should also go through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Legislative Affairs. This marks a shift from the previous practice where various military branches could communicate independently with Congress.
In response, the Pentagon has defended the memo, calling it a necessary step to enhance internal communication processes. Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, asserted that the intent is to improve the accuracy of their communications with Congress, while ensuring that the existing channels for receiving information remain intact.
The memo reassures that Pentagon officials still have whistleblower rights, allowing them to communicate with Congress. Moreover, the Pentagon’s Inspector General will continue to liaise directly with Congress.
Senator Angus King (I-Maine), another member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced his disapproval of the memo, arguing it restricts Congress’s oversight capabilities. He mentioned ongoing communication with the Department of Defense but expressed confusion and dissatisfaction with the new directive.
Hegseth and Feinberg have requested the Pentagon’s assistant secretary for legislative affairs to review the department’s communication protocols, with a report expected within 90 days. In a subsequent memo dated October 17, they announced the formation of a working group to refine guidelines for legislative engagement.
Senator Roger Wicker’s (R-Miss.) office, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, did not comment on the matter.
This recent move to constrain communications follows Hegseth’s introduction of a new policy that necessitates Pentagon approval for reporting on nonpublic information, which has already led to reduced interactions with mainstream media outlets.
