Defence Secretary Seeks Billions More as Fighting Continues
The war with Iran has now cost the United States an estimated $37.5 billion, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who warned lawmakers that the military faces critical shortages unless Congress approves additional funding.
Speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the cost of the conflict has risen by nearly $8 billion since the last official estimate in May.
He is requesting $87 billion in emergency funding for the Department of Defense, with $67 billion earmarked for military operations in the Middle East.
Military Warns of Funding Shortfalls
Hegseth told senators that the funding request is urgent, arguing that without it, the US military would be forced to reduce training, delay equipment replacements and struggle to sustain ongoing operations.
“We live in a dangerous world,” he said, adding that every dollar requested would strengthen US military capabilities and help maintain what he described as “peace through strength.”
He also blamed the previous Biden administration for leaving the military underfunded.
Republican Senator Susan Collins asked about the consequences if Congress failed to approve the funding, prompting Hegseth to warn that military readiness would suffer significantly.
Democrats Question Spending Priorities
Democratic lawmakers strongly challenged the request, arguing that the administration was bypassing the normal budget process.
Senator Patty Murray said the proposal “does not make a lot of sense,” while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned why billions more were needed after President Donald Trump claimed the conflict had already been won.
Gillibrand accused the administration of asking Congress for “unlimited money for bombs” while many Americans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
Responding to the criticism, Hegseth said the military was requesting “the right bombs at the right time.”
Protests Disrupt Hearing
The Senate hearing was interrupted several times by anti-war protesters.
Some demonstrators shouted, “Stop bombing our children in Iran and Palestine,” forcing brief pauses in the proceedings before security removed them.
The hearing took place as fighting between the US and Iran continues following the collapse of a ceasefire agreed earlier this year.
The Pentagon also confirmed the deaths of three American service members during operations in the Middle East.
Congress Faces Difficult Funding Decision
The Pentagon estimates the conflict has become one of the most expensive recent US military operations.
The previous official estimate placed the cost at $29 billion in May, while the Pentagon earlier reported spending more than $11 billion during the first week of the renewed fighting.
Although Republicans control Congress, divisions remain over the funding request.
Some conservative lawmakers want spending cuts elsewhere before approving additional military funding, while most Democrats oppose the proposal altogether.
With Congress preparing for its summer recess, any decision on the emergency funding package is unlikely before lawmakers return in September.
