Pentagon staffers will now need to get prior approval before sharing any information with Congress, according to a new memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his deputy that Axios reviewed.

Why it matters: The new rules could further restrict oversight of the Defense Department amid a year filled with unprecedented leaks and staff turnover.

Zoom in: The memo, first reported by industry news outlet Breaking Defense, was issued Oct. 15.

What they're saying: "The Department of War (DoW) relies on a collaborative and close partnership with Congress to achieve our legislative goals," Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg wrote. • "Unauthorized engagements with Congress by DoW personnel acting in their official capacity, no matter how well-intentioned, may undermine D

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