Pentagon Memo Restricts Staff Contact With Congress

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Steve Feinberg issued an Oct. 15 memo requiring nearly all Department of Defense personnel to obtain prior approval from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs before communicating with Congress, while carving out the inspector general and certain legally mandated contacts. The rule explicitly covers most senior leaders, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, combatant commanders and service secretaries, and says unauthorized engagements can “undermine Department‑wide priorities.” The memo directs the legislative affairs office to coordinate responses, collect position/contact information and conduct a 90‑day review of congressional interactions to propose streamlining measures. Pentagon officials framed the policy as a way to centralize and align messaging to support goals such as rebuilding the military and re‑establishing deterrence. Senior lawmakers and congressional aides warned the restrictions could slow time‑sensitive oversight and appropriations, and critics say the change — coming amid new press requirements and revoked reporter credentials — raises concerns about reduced transparency between the Defense Department and Congress.