WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions are mounting between the Pentagon and Congress over the flow of information to lawmakers about the U.S. military's priorities, with both Democrats and Republicans accusing a Defense Department leader of being frustratingly opaque.
Some senators from both parties say they were left deeply unsettled Thursday after the Pentagon's top policy adviser, Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, failed to provide an expected update on the Trump administration's National Defense Strategy at a classified briefing.
The lawmakers also say they were unsatisfied with Colby's answers to questions ranging from inquiries about the Iran war to growing concerns that President Donald Trump could deploy troops to polling places during November's midterm congressional elections. Colby acknowledged that discussions about deploying the National Guard were taking place.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Nevada Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Colby "was not forthcoming" and "did not really address our concerns or issues."
Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican also on the committee, described the classified briefing as "just sort of dodge and punt."

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In an interview with Meet the Press, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed says he "really enjoyed" his recent conversation with former President Barack Obama and hopes he'll campaign with him ahead of the general election.

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