BackPOLITICS
Congress confronts Hegseth for the first time since Iran war started
During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, skeptical Democrats confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the ongoing Iran war, marking the first such exchange since the conflict began. The hearing centered on the administration’s 2027 defense budget, which would raise spending to about $1.5 trillion, with Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine urging more drones, missile defense systems and warships.
Why It Matters
The hearing tests congressional oversight of a costly military conflict with unclear objectives, and scrutinizes how the administration plans to fund and equip operations.
Timeline
1 Event
House Armed Services Committee hearing on the 2027 defense budget and Iran war questions
April 29, 2026
Skeptical Democrats confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, the first such confrontation since the Iran war began. The session centered on the administration's 2027 military budget proposal, which would lift defence spending to $1.5 trillion. Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine advocated for more drones, missile defense systems and warships.