Pentagon Leaders DEFEND $1.5 TRILLION Defense Budget at Explosive Capitol Hill Hearing

Pentagon leaders testified before Congress on Tuesday as War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Kaine defended the president’s 2027 defense budget and addressed growing concerns over the ongoing Iran conflict.

The proposed budget totals $1.5 trillion—marking a 42% increase from 2026—and includes major investments in military readiness, industrial capacity, troop pay raises, and improvements to military housing and infrastructure. Officials say the goal is to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and ensure long-term combat readiness.

Lawmakers pressed Pentagon officials on rising costs tied to operations involving Iran, now estimated at roughly $29 billion, as well as the lack of a clear long-term resolution strategy. Military leaders emphasized continued pressure on Iran through sanctions, blockade efforts, and maintained military readiness, while stressing that final decisions remain in civilian leadership hands.

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