Defense Secretary Hegseth Testifies on Pentagon Budget

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, 2026, to discuss the Pentagon's proposed $1.5 trillion budget for 2027. The session, originally scheduled for budget details, shifted to debates on the war with Iran, which began in February 2026.

This was Hegseth's first congressional testimony since the conflict started. Hegseth stated in his opening remarks that congressional Democrats and some Republicans were using reckless, feckless, and defeatist words. He is scheduled to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 30, 2026.

The 2027 budget request was finalized before the war and does not include related expenditures.

Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst III testified that the war with Iran has cost $25 billion so far. The Pentagon plans to request $200 billion in supplemental funding for the campaign. Hurst attributed much of the cost to thousands of bombs and missiles used in the conflict.

An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicated that the U.S. has used roughly half of certain missiles and other munitions in less than two months. Retired Col. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the center and author of the report, stated that the operation creates a window of vulnerability for up to four years while stocks are replenished.

Lawmakers questioned Hegseth on the firings of high-ranking officials, including former Army chief of staff Gen. Randy George and former Navy Secretary John Phelan. Reps. Don Bacon and Austin Scott, both Republicans, expressed disagreement with George's firing.

GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans raised questions about Phelan's dismissal. Hegseth said about Phelan's firing that changes are needed when evaluating if officials are running with the given mission. He noted that two dozen senior officers have been fired or had promotions blocked.

Regarding four colonels blocked from promotion to one-star general, two of whom are Black and two are women, Hegseth said he anticipates other officers will be removed, without providing rationale. The officers were not facing discipline and had been vetted, according to two U.S. officials.

Rep. Don Bacon stated that while Hegseth has the constitutional right to make such changes, it does not make them right or wise.

War Rationale and Progress Democratic Rep.

John Garamendi accused Hegseth of providing shifting reasons for the war and noted increases in gas prices by 40% and soaring inflation. Hegseth responded that calling the war a quagmire two months in stains the troops and hands propaganda to enemies.

Adam Smith questioned Hegseth on claims that Iran's nuclear program was obliterated in a prior attack but still posed an imminent threat justifying the war. Hegseth stated that despite obliterated capabilities under 24/7 surveillance, Iran maintains ambition and a conventional shield posing a threat.

Smith asked for plans to improve the nuclear situation through military action.

and Timeline Chairman of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated his commitment to a non-partisan military, citing Gen. George C. Marshall as a model. The hearing occurred two days before the 60-day window under the 1973 War Powers Resolution closes on May 1, 2026. The law allows a one-time 30-day extension without congressional consent.

Defense experts have raised concerns about stockpile constraints prior to the Iran war, with estimates for a potential China conflict suggesting exhaustion of long-range missiles in weeks.