Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) stated on Sunday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should be required to testify before the Senate regarding the performance and reliability of Starlink satellite services in Ukraine. During an appearance on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Schiff argued that the reported slowdowns in satellite connectivity had a tangible, negative impact on Ukraine’s military capabilities during the ongoing conflict.

Schiff indicated that if the Democratic party were to regain control of the Senate, he would push for a formal inquiry into the matter. The core of the concern involves whether the service limitations were the result of technical issues, policy decisions, or external interference, and how those factors influenced the battlefield situation. While Schiff has framed this as a necessary oversight measure to ensure national security and the efficacy of military support, the Defense Department has not yet issued a formal response to the specific demand for testimony regarding this private-sector satellite service.

The request highlights ongoing tensions regarding the role of private technology companies in modern warfare and the extent to which the Department of Defense should oversee or intervene in these partnerships. As of now, there is no scheduled hearing on the matter, and the request remains a proposal contingent on future political shifts in the Senate.