US Defense Secretary Seeks $87.6B More for Iran War
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to a Senate committee today. He said the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far.
Hegseth asked for $87.6 billion more in Pentagon funding. He said the money is needed to keep operations running without disruption.
General Dan Caine joined Hegseth at the hearing. Caine is chair of the joint chiefs.
Senator Susan Collins leads the Senate appropriations committee. Some senators pushed back on the funding request during the hearing.
Protesters were removed from the room as the hearing began. Gas prices have risen to just over $4 per gallon this month. That is almost a dollar more than a year ago.
Klear Note — The Pentagon requests Congress approve spending on military operations. Senate committees review and vote on these funding requests. Gas prices affect public support for military spending.
Key Terms 3
- Senate appropriations committee Group of senators who decide how government money is spent
- joint chiefs Top military leaders who advise the US president
- supplemental funding Extra money added beyond the normal budget