Pentagon Requires Prior Approval for All Congressional Communications Amid Senate Backlash

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his deputy Steve Feinberg issued a memo in October 2025 requiring Pentagon officials, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to obtain approval from the department's legislative affairs office before communicating with Congress. This policy change aims to consolidate control over information sharing to support the department's legislative priorities but has drawn criticism from senior senators like John Cornyn and Richard Blumenthal, who see it as a potential hindrance to congressional oversight. The new rules have sparked concern about transparency and led to threats of holds on Pentagon nominee confirmations. The memo was issued the same day many Pentagon reporters left over new restrictions on media coverage, highlighting broader efforts to control the department's messaging. The policy represents a significant shift from previous practices, where Defense Department personnel freely communicated with Congress. The controversy underscores tensions between the Pentagon's desire for coordinated messaging and Congress's oversight role.