Senators from both parties voice criticism about Pentagon briefing on US defense strategy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions are mounting between the Pentagon and Congress over the flow of information to lawmakers about the U.S. military's priorities, with both Democrats and Republicans accusing a Defense Department leader of being frustratingly opaque.
Tensions escalated between the Pentagon and Congress after a classified briefing on the US defense strategy left lawmakers feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser, failed to provide an update on the Trump administration's National Defense Strategy, which left both Democrats and Republicans questioning the Pentagon's transparency.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Nevada Democrat, accused Colby of being "not forthcoming" and "not really addressing our concerns or issues." Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, described the briefing as "just sort of dodge and punt," emphasizing the need for a congressionally mandated update on the strategy. Colby was expected to present the National Defense Strategy, which outlines the US military's priorities and reinforces the "America First" philosophy of avoiding overseas intervention.
However, lawmakers felt that Colby's answers were lacking, especially when it came to questions about the Iran war and the potential deployment of troops for voter security during the midterm elections. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Mike Rounds and Sen. Mark Kelly, expressed their dissatisfaction with the briefing, stating that they were left with more questions than when they entered the room.
Despite some criticism, Sen. Jim Banks called the briefing "constructive" and expressed satisfaction with the answers provided.
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