Overview
- A five-page memo dated Oct. 15 and effective immediately requires prior approval for all interactions with Congress and state officials, including base visits, mandated reports and routine letters.
- The order applies to senior leaders including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, service chiefs, combatant commanders and agency heads, while exempting the inspector general, the comptroller’s appropriations liaison role and the general counsel, and it reaffirms whistleblower protections.
- The Office of Legislative Affairs must deliver a comprehensive review of congressional engagement within 90 days as components submit contact lists, organizational charts and tracking tools within 30 days.
- Key lawmakers voiced objections, with Sen. Jack Reed calling the policy a disparaging development and Rep. George Whitesides saying Congress decides whom it speaks to.
- The directive arrives as the Pentagon tightens information controls, with dozens of reporters returning credentials over new press rules, and the memo uses the preferred but unofficial 'Department of War' name.