Pentagon Officials Clash Over Ukraine Aid Policy at Senate Hearing

A senior official at the Pentagon stated during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that his office did not recommend a pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine, contradicting earlier reports and testimony. Alex Velez-Green, nominated to become the deputy to Elbridge Colby, clarified on July 6, 2023, that there were no formal orders to halt aid, despite conflicting statements from colleagues and previous Pentagon communications.

Velez-Green’s remarks came in response to questions from senators seeking clarity on the recent decisions made by the Pentagon. His statements contradicted those made by Austin Dahmer, who is currently “performing the duties” of the position Velez-Green is nominated for. On July 4, Dahmer indicated to the committee that he was unaware of any pauses in aid to Ukraine.

During the hearing, Velez-Green acknowledged brief disruptions in weapon deliveries but attributed these to a review of capabilities rather than a deliberate pause. He emphasized the need for clearer communication between the Pentagon and Congress, noting the importance of proactive engagement.

“If confirmed, you have my commitment to lean as far forward in engaging proactively with Congress,” Velez-Green stated, addressing senators’ frustrations.

Senators expressed their concerns over the Pentagon’s lack of coordination with Congress, which has become increasingly evident in recent weeks. Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas remarked on the difficulty of contacting the policy office, suggesting that the current communication breakdown resembles the disarray of Pigpen, a character from the comic strip Peanuts.

Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, pressed Velez-Green on the necessity of meaningful dialogue with Congress, particularly regarding support for allies and partners. The hearing highlighted frustrations surrounding the Pentagon’s recent decisions, including the review of the AUKUS agreement and the cancellation of a rotational Army deployment to Romania. These decisions have reportedly caught lawmakers off guard, with Velez-Green asserting that media reports sometimes misrepresent the reality of the situation.

The Pentagon’s approach to communication has raised eyebrows, particularly concerning the development of the forthcoming National Defense Strategy. Velez-Green confirmed that coordination for this critical document was primarily with the secretary’s front office, sidelining input from the Armed Services Committees, despite it being a legal requirement.

He committed to providing senators with documentation regarding interagency discussions in a classified setting, aiming to enhance transparency. Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina further pressed Velez-Green to personally address requests for information from lawmakers, moving away from reliance on the office of legislative affairs.

Velez-Green’s pledge to improve communication reflects a recognition of the current frustrations within Congress. Should he be confirmed, he aims to foster a more collaborative environment between the Pentagon and legislative bodies, ensuring that vital decisions are communicated effectively and in a timely manner.