House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers on Wednesday criticized the Pentagon for failing to provide Congress with sufficient information about military operations in Iran. Rogers stated that committee members had urged Pentagon officials to ensure troop movements in the region were “thoughtful and deliberate.”
Rogers also noted that the Trump administration has not offered adequate details regarding Operation Epic Fury, stating: “We want to know more about what’s going on, what the options are, and why they’re being considered. And we’re just not getting enough answers on those questions.”
The committee chair added he conveyed at the end of the hearing that Pentagon inaction carries consequences. Pentagon officials held classified briefings for both House and Senate Armed Services committees Wednesday as thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division were expected to be deployed to the Middle East.
Rogers emphasized that officials did not provide a clear explanation for the troop deployment: “We just wanted them to tell us what’s the plan, and we didn’t get any answers.” He further explained: “I understand they can’t give us, they shouldn’t give us, specific operational details. But generally, we should be able to get more texture than we’re receiving from them.”
Rogers described a consistent pattern of Pentagon leadership failing to properly brief lawmakers: “This is not just about Epic Fury. This is a consistent pattern of tagging the base and saying, ‘We came over and briefed you.’ But they’re not telling us things, substantive things.”
Senate Armed Forces Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., supported Rogers after a similar briefing. Wicker remarked: “I can see why he might have said that.” He added: “I haven’t heard his comment, and I don’t know the context,” but acknowledged the committee chair’s concerns.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., reiterated her opposition to U.S. ground troops in Iran following the briefing, stating: “Just walked out of a House Armed Services briefing on Iran. Let me repeat: I will not support troops on the ground in Iran, even more so after this briefing.”
