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Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Interagency Communication Restrictions That Delayed Project Information
Summary
Members criticized a DoD directive they said restricted Corps communications with congressional offices, causing delays in project capability information and making it harder for members to assess funding decisions; witnesses promised to improve timeliness and provide follow-ups.
Multiple committee members said a Department of Defense memorandum restricting communications between Corps districts and congressional offices has created "bottlenecks" that slowed delivery of project capability information. Representative Levin and others described instances in which local staff waited weeks for answers, and noted that some projects appeared to be "zeroed out" in the President's FY27 request because Congress lacked timely information.
Assistant Secretary Adam Tell and Lt. Gen. Butch Graham characterized the problem as an implementation issue tied to new interagency clearance practices. They said they are working to coordinate with interagency partners and to provide reliable, verified information to Congress. "We're not stifling information," Graham said; witnesses acknowledged delays and pledged to improve the speed and dependability of responses.
Members urged a robust channel for district-level technical information to reach local offices so Congress can do its oversight and appropriation work. The subcommittee asked the agencies to deliver requested details and supporting documents within four weeks.
