UPDATE: A senior Pentagon official has confirmed that the Department of Defense has conducted minimal consultations with Congress regarding critical military policy decisions. This revelation comes amid significant bipartisan criticism, raising alarms over transparency and accountability in U.S. defense strategy.
During a confirmation hearing on September 27, 2023, Alexander Velez-Green, a senior adviser to the undersecretary of war for policy, acknowledged that there had been no formal discussions with lawmakers about the National Defense Strategy or the Global Force Posture Review. This lack of engagement has frustrated senators eager for a more collaborative approach to defense policymaking.
Velez-Green’s testimony has sparked outrage, particularly among members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the committee, emphasized that effective communication is essential for national security, stating, “That’s really not the way it’s supposed to work.”
Critics argue that the Pentagon’s policy office has been operating independently, potentially diverging from the administration’s broader priorities. Wicker added, “We hear that the Pentagon policy office seems to be doing what it pleases without coordinating.” This disconnect raises concerns about the Pentagon’s alignment with U.S. foreign policy, especially in sensitive regions like Asia and Europe.
Senator Dan Sullivan echoed these sentiments during the hearing, noting difficulties in communicating with Pentagon officials. He described Undersecretary Elbridge Colby as “the hardest guy to get a hold of in the Trump administration,” reflecting ongoing frustrations with access and responsiveness.
As the Pentagon faces scrutiny, Velez-Green pledged that, if confirmed as deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, he would improve communication with Congress. However, Wicker warned that this would require a “change in mindset” within the department.
Additional concerns surfaced regarding recent military decisions, including troop withdrawals amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. These actions have left senators questioning whether the Pentagon is adhering to the president’s strategic objectives.
During the hearings, senators also addressed allegations that the Pentagon had paused aid to Ukraine earlier this year, a claim that both Velez-Green and fellow nominee Austin Dahmer disputed, attributing confusion to “fake news.” However, Velez-Green’s statements were met with skepticism, given prior comments from Pentagon spokespersons that hinted at operational pauses.
The fallout from these hearings is expected to influence future Pentagon interactions with Congress. As lawmakers demand accountability, the urgency for a cohesive defense strategy that aligns with U.S. diplomatic goals remains paramount.
As this situation develops, observers will be watching closely to see if the Pentagon can bridge the communication gap with Congress and restore trust in its policy-making processes.
