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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested increased funding for the Iran conflict Tuesday, telling the Senate Appropriations Committee that the military operation has cost $37.5 billion to date. The estimate, higher than previous assessments, came as Republicans move toward a $95 billion budget package designed to finance military operations and other Trump administration priorities.
The hearing grew contentious as Hegseth characterized the supplemental war funding as critically necessary, while defending President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget as a generational commitment to military readiness. The Pentagon reported this week that three additional American service members died in the conflict, bringing total deaths to 17, with more than 100 wounded since early July.
Democrats expressed deep skepticism about the funding request and the war’s trajectory. Sen. Patty Murray, the panel’s ranking Democrat, warned the nation faces “another forever war” and questioned why Trump seeks $70 billion more in war funds after repeatedly claiming a resolution was near.
Hegseth fielded aggressive questioning about his departmental leadership and the military’s strategy. Republican Sen. Susan Collins opened the hearing by stating it was “deeply troubling” that the Pentagon blocked or denied promotions to various officers, particularly women and minorities.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen challenged Hegseth over requesting additional funds when the Pentagon had not yet spent approximately half of the $150 billion allocated in last year’s budget. When Hegseth began discussing Trump’s military strategy, Shaheen interrupted, later expressing concerns about public opposition to the war.
Tensions escalated significantly during the three-hour hearing. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand directly challenged Hegseth’s claims about the war, while Sen. Gary Peters accused the administration of strategic failure. Hegseth responded angrily, telling Peters “shame on you” and accusing Democrats of “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
An AP-NORC poll indicates most Americans disapprove of how Trump is managing the Iran situation. Gas prices have risen as Iran restricts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. munitions supplies have depleted amid intensive American strikes.
The Republican budget package will advance through reconciliation, allowing GOP lawmakers to approve it without Democratic support. The House is expected to vote this week to initiate the process, though some conservative Republicans seek spending offsets elsewhere.
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