Sen. Schatz Questions Defense Sec. on National Guard Use and Qatari Aircraft Deal

National Guard Mobilization in Los Angeles

• 🎯 Senator Schatz questioned Secretary Hegseth regarding the scope and justification for mobilizing the National Guard in response to the Los Angeles protests.
• ⚠️ The core of the disagreement centers on whether the issued orders were specific to Los Angeles or could be applied nationwide, potentially enabling the mobilization of any guard or service member anywhere.
• 🏛️ Schatz expressed concern that the governor of California was playing politics with the situation, contrasting it with other states where governors recognize and support such mobilizations.

Justification for Orders

• ⚡ Secretary Hegseth stated that the orders were issued to support law enforcement, particularly in situations where officers are threatened, and to get ahead of potential problems like riots.
• 🗺️ He clarified that while the initial order was for Los Angeles, a follow-on order for additional personnel recognized the need for more resources, and the capability exists to surge the National Guard to other locations if necessary.
• 🇺🇸 Hegseth also alluded to a past administration's handling of border issues, mentioning an "invasion of 21 million illegals" as a justification for the current administration's actions.

Qatari Aircraft Deal Inquiry

• ✈️ Senator Schatz also pressed Secretary Hegseth on the paper flow and initiation of conversations regarding a gift of Qatari aircraft to the Department of Defense.
• ❓ He emphasized the importance of understanding who initiated these conversations (White House, State Department, etc.) to ensure the committee has the same set of facts for evaluating the propriety of the deal.
• 🤝 The Secretary acknowledged being part of ongoing conversations and stated he would need to review the specifics, noting that the Department of Defense would soon be in receipt of the gift once a memorandum of understanding is signed.

Call for Transparency

• 📄 Schatz advocated for transparency and a shared understanding of facts, requesting documentation on both the Qatari aircraft matter and the scope of the National Guard orders.
• 🗣️ He stressed that disagreements should occur with all information available, rather than devolving into internet-driven exchanges.