Warren, Gillibrand ask Defense whether border deployments hurt troop readiness

Sens. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenSanders to roll out updated ‘Medicare for all’ proposal Wednesday Booker to introduce bill to form study commission on reparations Dem senators call for Trump to restore release for pregnant migrants MORE (D-Mass.) and Kirsten GillibrandKirsten Elizabeth GillibrandSanders to roll out updated ‘Medicare for all’ proposal Wednesday Dem senators call for Trump to restore release for pregnant migrants John Lewis is endorsement every Dem candidate wants MORE (D-N.Y.) are among a group of six Senate Democrats calling on the Department of Defense to explain whether deployments to the southern border are negatively affecting the combat readiness of troops.

In a letter sent Monday to acting Defense Secretary Patrick ShanahanPatrick Michael ShanahanSenate Dem: Number of acting secretaries in Trump Cabinet ‘striking’ The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump cleaning house on border security House Dems sue Trump over national emergency declaration MORE, the senators wrote that they are “extraordinarily distressed” by concerns raised by Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller regarding the effect of deployment to the border on readiness.

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Neller wrote in internal memos in February and March that deployments to the southern border and funding transfers under President TrumpDonald John TrumpSanders set for five-state Midwestern swing Tax refunds through March down billion from last year Tariffs on ‘Mexican cars’ are just taxes on American consumers MORE‘s declaration of a national emergency were posing an “unacceptable risk to Marine Corps combat readiness and solvency,” according to the Los Angeles Times, which obtained copies of the memos.

Neller added in the memos that he had canceled or reduced military training in at least five countries because of the president’s “unplanned/unbudgeted” border deployment and the funding transfers.

In Monday’s letter, the senators referenced Neller’s memo while noting that other military officials have said recently that troop deployment has not affected readiness. They also asked Shanahan to explain those “discrepancies.”

“To the extent the southern border deployment is causing readiness concerns, they must be addressed immediately,” the senators added, while also requesting that Shanahan provide “a staff-level briefing on this matter within seven days” and a written explanation detailing how he will address Neller’s concerns.

In addition to Warren and Gillibrand, Monday’s letter was also signed by Sens. Jack ReedJohn (Jack) Francis ReedMore than 30 Senate Dems ask Trump to reconsider Central American aid cuts Senate panel to hold first ‘Space Force’ hearing next week Gillibrand, Grassley reintroduce campus sexual assault bill MORE (D-R.I.), Jeanne ShaheenCynthia (Jeanne) Jeanne ShaheenMore than 30 Senate Dems ask Trump to reconsider Central American aid cuts Menendez, Rubio lead Senate effort to regulate Venezuelan sanctions Overnight Health Care: Dem senators offer ‘Medicare X’ bill | McConnell tells Trump Senate won’t take up ObamaCare repeal | Insulin makers to testify | Scalise moves to force vote on abortion bill MORE (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tammy DuckworthLadda (Tammy) Tammy DuckworthOvernight Energy: Bipartisan Senate group seeks more funding for carbon capture technology | Dems want documents on Interior pick’s lobbying work | Officials push to produce more electric vehicle batteries in US Bipartisan senators want ‘highest possible’ funding for carbon capture technology More than 30 Senate Dems ask Trump to reconsider Central American aid cuts MORE (D-Ill.).