Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top Pentagon officials testified Wednesday as the Department of Defense seeks a $1.5 trillion budget from Congress. The hearing on Capitol Hill focused on the department’s funding needs, oversight and the costs tied to ongoing operations related to Iran.
Hegseth faced heated exchanges with Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee. Several members pressed him on recent events and on how the Pentagon is managing authorities and oversight in the region. At times the discussion grew tense, with Hegseth defending the department’s posture and decisions and disputing critics’ accounts.
During questioning, Hegseth made a controversial remark characterizing some opponents of U.S. action on Iran as “enemies,” a comment that drew strong pushback from committee members who said it was inappropriate to label dissenting lawmakers or policy advocates in that way.
Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst also testified and provided financial details about operations tied to the conflict with Iran. Hurst told the committee the U.S. has spent roughly $25 billion related to the conflict to date, a figure that committee members used to press for greater transparency and accountability in how supplemental and baseline funds are being spent.
Lawmakers also debated the scope of the $1.5 trillion request, with members from both parties asking for more detail on specific priorities, procurement plans, personnel costs and how Congress should balance funding for near-term operations with long-term modernization and readiness investments.
The hearing underscored continuing partisan divisions over U.S. policy toward Iran, the proper use of military force and the congressional role in authorizing and funding military activities. Members signaled they will continue oversight and may seek additional briefings and documents as they consider the Pentagon’s budget request.