Lawmakers have been waiting for a better explanation than has been forthcoming from the Pentagon over its plan to remake the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. According to The Hill, the lawmakers’ chief concern is over the policy shop’s plans for the Congressionally created Office Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. The Congressional newspaper reports that a Capitol Hill “source” says lawmakers have gotten “less comfortable” with each succeeding Pentagon briefing.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.


