Defense Secretary Hegseth testifies before Congress for first time since US-Iran war beganUS-Iran war began
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington on April 29, 2026, facing questions from lawmakers for the first time since the Trump administration launched a war against Iran. The hearing focused on the proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for 2027, with Hegseth defending spending amid reports of $25 billion already spent on the conflict. Democrats criticized the war as unauthorized and costly, demanding investigations into US troop deaths in Kuwait.
The testimony highlights tensions over the war's strategy, budget implications, and congressional oversight. Hegseth accused congressional Democrats of undermining efforts with defeatist rhetoric. Lawmakers seek clarity on protecting US forces and the path forward in the ongoing conflict.
US Democrats
Democrats view the Iran war as a costly choice made without congressional approval. They demand investigations into the deaths of six US troops in Kuwait, accusing Hegseth of failing to protect forces and misleading the public. The party pushes for accountability on strategy and spending.
Trump Administration
Hegseth defends the Pentagon's record and $1.5 trillion budget proposal as necessary for the Iran war and national security. He criticizes Congress, especially Democrats, as the biggest adversaries through reckless and defeatist words. The administration portrays the conflict as essential defense requiring robust funding.
- The War Powers Resolution requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces and limits military action to 60 days without congressional authorization.
- Admiral Dan Caine made history in 2025 as the first Navy officer to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff, previously commanding U.S. Cyber Command.
- The House Armed Services Committee, established in 1946, has held defense hearings in Rayburn Room 2118 since the building opened in 1965.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
