Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, September 17, to provide a mandated update on the National Defense Strategy. During the classified session, lawmakers questioned Colby regarding the implementation of the strategy, the status of the ongoing war in Iran, and the potential deployment of National Guard troops to polling stations for the upcoming November midterm elections.
The briefing was intended to fulfill a requirement under the National Defense Authorization Act, which mandated that the Department of Defense provide a classified update on the strategy's progress by September 15. The National Defense Strategy, published in January, aligns with President Trump's "America First" doctrine, emphasizing overseas nonintervention while reviewing security arrangements with European partners.
Several senators expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a formal statement or report during the session. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) characterized the interaction as a "dodge and punt," noting the absence of a required update. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) stated that the committee did not receive the report they were owed. However, Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) described the briefing as "constructive" and "substantive," stating it addressed his questions.
During the questioning, Colby acknowledged that discussions regarding the use of the National Guard at polling sites had taken place, though he stated he was not leading the effort. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) raised concerns regarding a "munitions deficit," citing industry estimates that it would take defense contractors approximately three years to replenish stocks of advanced hardware like missile interceptors.
For the American public, the discussion concerning National Guard deployment at polling stations involves the 2026 midterm elections. While Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated in a written response last month that there are "no plans" to send federalized troops to polling places, Undersecretary Colby’s acknowledgment of internal discussions suggests the topic has been discussed within the Pentagon.
The reported munitions deficit has a direct impact on the defense industrial base and long-term national security planning. With interceptor stocks estimated to take three years to replenish, the delay affects defense contractors. It also forces military planners to manage current operations in Iran with limited resources. Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) declined to provide details on the classified proceedings following the session.