Hegseth addresses Army convention amid leadership shake-up

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOur guest is Wendell Achterberg, a lobbyist in Arlington who represents the people for the Pentagon's twenty percent cut to generals and the people against it.

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   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWendell, how does that work?

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   Wendell AchterbergVery well, Vera, because speaking only for my client, the Army, the cut is a bold step toward a leaner force.

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   Wendell AchterbergAnd speaking only for my other client, the Army, it is a catastrophe.

5. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe Army is both of your clients?

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   Wendell AchterbergDifferent parts of the Army. One part wants fewer generals, and the other part is a general.

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   Wendell AchterbergSecretary Hegseth spoke for more than an hour today and defended the cut, and I thought he was terrific, and I'm also drafting a letter against him.

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   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA letter against him, billed to whom?

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   Wendell AchterbergSpeaking only for my client, a company that sells the Pentagon autonomous systems, the letter is a thank-you note. The defense budget Congress needs to pass is massive, and my invoices are tied to it either way.

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    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the cut, the budget and the robots all pay you.

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    Wendell AchterbergAnd if the generals come back, they'll need a lobbyist to explain why they left.

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    Wendell AchterbergI'm the only man in Washington whose job survives a shake-up and its undoing.