politics
Hegseth Testifies on Iran and Budget Before Senate Committee
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced sharp questioning from Democratic senators during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Iran conflict and the proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027. He rejected accusations of lacking strategy and evidence for the war, while emphasizing military successes and the need for increased spending.
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday for a hearing on the administration's Iran war strategy and proposed fiscal year 2027 defense budget of $1.5 trillion. The session followed a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday.
Hegseth was accompanied by Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who stated the budget would fund additional drones, missile defense systems, and warships.
During the hearing, Sen. Jack Reed, the committee's ranking Democrat, stated, "I am concerned that you have been telling the president what he wants to hear instead of what he needs to hear," according to CBC reporting. Reed cited 13 U.S. troops killed, more than 400 injured, and equipment losses in the conflict.
He noted the Strait of Hormuz remains closed as of the hearing date, contributing to rising fuel prices, and that Iran continues to hold enriched uranium and combat capabilities under its current leadership. Sen. Tim Kaine asked if the administration would seek congressional authorization under the War Powers Act of 1973, which sets a 60-day deadline for such approval, expiring Friday.
Hegseth responded that the current ceasefire pauses the deadline, an interpretation Kaine disputed. A White House official, speaking anonymously to Politico, said the administration is discussing the timeline with lawmakers. No public statement from the administration has indicated plans for a 30-day extension.
Democrats have introduced but not passed resolutions requiring congressional authorization to continue the conflict.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst questioned Hegseth on recent retirements of senior Army officials, listing their prior achievements and stating her disappointment, according to the New York Post. Hegseth replied that personnel decisions are performance-based and criticized past leadership for priorities he described as "social engineering" on race and gender issues.
