Senators accuse Pentagon adviser of stonewalling on defense strategy briefing

Senators from both parties complained that Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby provided a vague, non-committal briefing on the implementation of the National Defense Strategy, which was required by the annual defense authorization. Committee members said he avoided clear answers on topics ranging from the Iran war to rumors of using National Guard units at polling places during the upcoming midterms. Democrats such as Jacky Rosen and Mark Kelly described the briefing as unsettling and incomplete, while Republicans like Kevin Cramer called it a "dodge and punt."

Colby acknowledged discussions about Guard deployments but did not confirm any plans. A few senators, including Jim Banks, praised the session as substantive, and Senate Armed Services Committee chair Roger Wicker declined to comment further.