Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior Pentagon officials testified Wednesday as the Department of Defense outlined a $1.5 trillion budget request before Congress. The Capitol Hill hearing centered on funding priorities, oversight and costs tied to ongoing operations related to Iran.
Hegseth faced sharp questioning from Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee, who pressed him on recent events, oversight and how the department is managing authorities in the region. Exchanges grew tense at times as Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s posture and disputed critics’ accounts.
During questioning, Hegseth made a contentious remark describing 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 that way.
Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst also testified, providing financial details tied to operations related to the Iran conflict. Hurst told the committee the U.S. has spent roughly $25 billion on those operations to date, a figure members used to press for greater transparency and accountability in how supplemental and baseline funds are being spent.
Lawmakers from both parties pressed for more detail on the $1.5 trillion request, asking for clearer priorities around procurement, personnel costs and how to balance near-term operational needs 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 Congress’s role in authorizing and funding military activity. Members indicated they will continue oversight and may seek additional briefings and documents as they consider the Pentagon’s budget request.