Pentagon Officials Disagree on Ukraine Aid Pause During Senate Hearing

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, Alex Velez-Green, a senior advisor at the Pentagon, asserted that his office “neither ordered nor even recommended a pause to any weapons shipments to Ukraine” during the summer of 2023. This statement contradicts earlier reports and conflicting testimonies from other Pentagon officials, leaving lawmakers seeking clarity on the situation.

This hearing followed testimony from Austin Dahmer, who is currently performing the duties of Velez-Green’s prospective position. Dahmer stated, “I think there’s been some inaccurate reporting in the public on this, but I’m not aware of any pause.” This remark further complicated the narrative surrounding the Pentagon’s communications regarding aid to Ukraine.

Confusion Over Weapon Shipments

On July 2, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed a pause in weapons shipments, attributing it to a review of the Department of Defense’s stockpiles. This review was reportedly recommended by Elbridge Colby, the previous deputy to the undersecretary for policy. Velez-Green’s assertion during the Senate hearing differed significantly from Parnell’s earlier statement, highlighting a disconnect within the Pentagon.

“Proactive engagement from us would have been helpful,” Velez-Green commented, acknowledging the need for better communication. “I do take that on board and, if confirmed, I am committed to addressing it in a forthright manner.”

The ongoing confusion reflects a broader trend within the Pentagon, where recent actions have occurred without prior coordination with Congress. This has drawn criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Republican senators have voiced their frustrations, with Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas likening the policy office’s communication style to that of the disheveled character Pigpen from the Peanuts comic strip.

Impact on Congressional Relations

During the hearing, Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska questioned Velez-Green about the importance of maintaining open dialogue with Congress when it comes to military support for allies. She asked, “Do you agree that meaningfully engaging with Congress is necessary for the department to ultimately receive the authorities and the funding that are needed to implement ‘peace through strength?’”

Velez-Green acknowledged the significance of communication, stating, “If confirmed, you have my commitment to lean as far forward in engaging proactively with Congress.” This commitment comes amid growing concerns that the Pentagon has not consulted Congress adequately during the development of upcoming strategic documents, including the National Defense Strategy, which is mandated by law.

In addition to the issues surrounding aid to Ukraine, lawmakers have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding other Pentagon initiatives, such as changes to the AUKUS agreement and the cancellation of a rotational Army deployment to Romania. Velez-Green highlighted that some media reports have inaccurately depicted the Pentagon’s stance on military deployments, creating further confusion.

Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina pressed Velez-Green to commit to responding personally to information requests from Congress, rather than relying solely on the office of legislative affairs. Velez-Green agreed, recognizing the frustrations expressed by lawmakers and emphasizing the need for proactive engagement.

The Senate Armed Services Committee continues to seek clarification on the Pentagon’s approach to military aid and strategic decisions, underscoring the essential role of communication in maintaining effective congressional oversight and support for defense initiatives.