The Senate Defense Council was a military council within the New Republic government, which directly reported and was answerable to the New Republic Senate. It was led by General Leia Organa, who held authority over all of its members, but could also be presided over by Chancellor Mon Mothma. Both New Republic Defense Force officers and Senators could attend its sessions, which were housed in the Defense Council building on a skyscraper complex in Coruscant. Those sessions were also attended and vice-presided over by Admiral Gial Ackbar of the New Republic Defense Fleet and Senators Hamato Xiono, Mawood and a Sullustan senator.