U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies at a U.S. House Armed Services Committee hearing titled “Department of Defense FY2027 Budget Request” on Capitol Hill, April 29, 2026.
Saul Loeb AFP | getty images
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to testify before Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine House Armed Services Committee Trump’s defense chief will answer lawmakers’ questions on Wednesday for the first time since the war against Iran began two months ago.
Lawmakers are questioning Hegseth and Kaine about the Pentagon budget, but the issue of war with Iran is expected to overshadow the panel. The war has now reached its second month and has caused global economic turmoil as Iran has blocked ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the conflict.
The U.S. military has burned munitions during the conflict, which would require Congress to provide funding to replenish them. The Pentagon is also seeking a larger budget of $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027, which is expected to face scrutiny from lawmakers.
The hearings would also allow Democrats, who have largely opposed the war, to publicly question Hegseth and the administration over their forward-looking plans and the cost of the war. The hearing also could highlight Republican frustrations over the war and the massive budget request.
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