According to sources, the Office of the Secretary of Defense has issued an agenda list requiring personnel in the Department of War to obtain prior approval before engaging with Congress on certain issues. These issues include: sensitive military operations of the Department of War; maritime activities of the Department of War within the Southern Command's area of responsibility (including enhanced drug enforcement operations); "Golden Dome" / homeland missile defense; acquisition reform; critical munitions; defense strategy; budget and discretionary spending plans; critical minerals; foreign military sales reform; AUKUS; "Havana Syndrome"; "spectrum," which refers to the electromagnetic spectrum that supports military operations and other key U.S. government functions. A Pentagon spokesperson said the memo is "a practical measure aimed at reviewing internal procedures for communication between the Department of Defense and Congress," and the Department of Defense hopes "to promote higher transparency by improving the accuracy and responsiveness of communication with Congress." However, a Republican congressman stated that this policy amounts to another "amateurish move" by the secretary, which would cause military personnel "to be afraid of communicating with lawmakers." Previously, Hegseth had issued a memo requiring all Department of Defense personnel, including military commanders, to obtain approval from the Office of Legislative Affairs before speaking with Congress or state legislators. This rule caused confusion within the Department of Defense.
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