Pentagon is gearing up for a Dem win, legislative team to counter criticism

[sabra]

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20061023-030409-6379r

<snip>

The Pentagon's legislative affairs office has a tradition of being more reactive than proactive -- responding to the hundreds of requests for information and briefings from members and their staffs and making the Pentagon's views known on pending legislation.

Government Executive Magazine reports that U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England issued guidance last month that expanded the authorities of the Pentagon's liaison operation, emphasizing that the department "must communicate a consistent and proactive message to the Congress."

England's message comes as the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress is increasingly questioning the Iraq war and put up an abortive and brief fight against the military commissions law.

And with Democrats poised to take over the House of Representatives and also challenging to win control of the U.S. Senate in the midterm election on Nov. 7, the Pentagon will need a strong legislative team and a consistent message to counter what is likely to be a more critical Congress.

[bullimiami]

1. does the pentagon work for the republican party? if so why are we all

funding them?

[SammyWinstonJack]

4. Good questions!

Indeed!

[Sammy Pepys]

6. No, but...

..their funding is extremely important to them, and they probably don't view a Dem-controlled Congress as being a sympathetic body.

[bluestateguy]

2. They might want to hire more lawyers

They will need them for all of the subpeonas and hearings they will have to contend with if Democrats win either chamber of Congress.

[aquart]

3. Be the only jobs Republicans have created in 6 years.

[rodeodance]

5. Ha just reflects that they want to make sure their piggy gets filled.