Iran War Costs Hit $25 Billion
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth went to Congress on Wednesday. It was his first visit since the Iran war began.
He spoke to the House Armed Services Committee about war costs. The Pentagon says the Iran war has cost $25 billion over two months.
Hegseth declined to answer questions about those costs directly. Lawmakers from both parties questioned him about the conflict.
He did not say when the war might end. The Pentagon is also reportedly planning to ask Congress for $200 billion in extra war funding.
A key legal deadline falls this Friday. It adds pressure on lawmakers to act. Hegseth is set to speak to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.
Klear Note — The Pentagon is the US military's main office. It plans budgets and spending for defense. Congress must approve large military spending requests.
Key Terms 4
- House Armed Services Committee Group of lawmakers who oversee the US military and its budget
- War Powers Act deadline A law requiring Congress to approve wars within 60 days
- supplemental war funding Extra money requested outside the normal yearly budget
- Pentagon The US military headquarters and leadership