New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- A bipartisan group of senators asked the Pentagon inspector general to investigate after Ukrainian officials reported this month that their connection speeds were being throttled to the Musk-made Starlink service and its military-grade version, Starshield. They are critical to Ukraine's wartime connectivity, and officials there said the restrictions impeded the ability to intercept fast-moving Russian attack drones.

In a response dated Tuesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the Pentagon watchdog told the group of nine lawmakers - four Republicans and five Democrats - that their concerns are better answered by the Air Force.

That is being seen as the inspector general's refusal to investigate Musk and Starlin...