Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump are facing an uphill battle in convincing Republican lawmakers to support a massive increase in defense spending. Trump is pushing for $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon's base budget, with $350 billion of that to be secured through a reconciliation bill. Additionally, the White House requested nearly $88 billion, predominantly to fund the ongoing Iran war, which has an estimated cost nearing $29 billion. This supplemental request, officially named Operation Epic Fury, includes $67 billion for the Defense Department and $2 billion for the Coast Guard.
Hegseth has been making numerous trips to Capitol Hill, briefing House Republicans in classified sessions to stress the need for these funds. Despite his efforts, many GOP lawmakers remain noncommittal, expressing concerns about the overall cost and the administration's plan to fund a significant portion via reconciliation, moving away from the traditional appropriations process. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) stated that Hegseth indicated a need for $350 billion in the short-term and $1.5 trillion in the long-term, and vowed his support.
Key figures like Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), chair of the House Budget Committee, emphasized that any reconciliation bill must be cost-neutral or deficit-reducing, primarily through anti-fraud provisions. Lawmakers also grilled Hegseth on the specifics of the Iran war, its increasing price tag, and the lack of a clear strategy from the administration, with the conflict stretching into its 11th week and the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. Hegseth dismissed calls for congressional authorization for the war, arguing the administration has sufficient executive authority. Republicans also questioned the plan to fund critical programs like the "Golden Dome" missile defense system and F-35 fighter jets outside the normal appropriations process.
