Defense Secretary Ash Carter wants Congress to butt out of the management of the Pentagon and stick to big-picture budget issues.
In an appearance Friday at Defense One’s technology summit on Washington, Carter accused the House and Senate Armed services committees of getting too deep in the weeds in the day-to-day running of the Department of Defense.
Carter said that while he appreciates the efforts of Republican chairmen Sen. John McCain and Rep Mac Thornberry, “I do have some differences.”
Carter complained about congressional amendments that in his view impinge on executive and leadership functions, such as one to do with the role of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs in integrating combatant commands.
“In general, micromanagement from the Hill of our executive and leadership function is not a good idea,” Carter said.
But while he dismissed many congressional initiatives as interference, he praised plans as “by the people they have charged with running the Department of Defense.”
Carter gave as an example his proposed changes to the military promotions system announced Thursday, reforms that will require congressional approval to enact.
“We took months and years working through them,” Carter said. “And I think that we need to respect the collective judgment of the leadership of the Department of Defense.”
The Pentagon said Thursday it was pleased that the Senate rejected a McCain amendment to add $18 billion to defense spending to address critical readiness needs.
Carter said the extra money would disrupt the “budget stability” he believes is critical to being able to manage the Pentagon effectively.
