Lawmakers press Hegseth on details on Iran war authorization, ceasefire and Pentagon funding

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine faced sharp questions from House and Senate subcommittees overseeing defense spending, amid scrutiny over the Iran war’s $29 billion cost and the administration’s refusal to seek congressional authorization. Hegseth defended the $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 budget request, calling it a 'fiscally responsible' response to the conflict’s urgency, though lawmakers questioned its justification without explicit war powers approval. Senators Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Lisa Murkowski pushed for formal authorization, with Murkowski planning to introduce a resolution. Hegseth cited Article 2 of the Constitution as sufficient authority, but critics argued the lack of congressional backing undermines accountability. Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham pressed Caine on reports of Iranian aircraft parked at Pakistani airfields, questioning Pakistan’s neutrality as a mediator. Caine declined to comment on ongoing negotiations, but Graham accused the administration of ignoring 'damning' evidence. President Trump separately called the Iran ceasefire 'on life support,' dismissing the latest peace proposal as 'totally unacceptable.' He also announced plans to suspend the gas tax amid rising fuel prices linked to the conflict. Meanwhile, internal Pentagon estimates suggest the war’s total cost could exceed $50 billion, far surpassing the $25 billion Hegseth cited last month. Democrats and some Republicans expressed concern over the war’s escalating expenses and lack of transparency. Rep. Pete Aguilar demanded clarity on the ceasefire’s status, while Republicans like Graham accused the administration of mishandling diplomacy. The hearings highlighted deep divisions over Trump’s war strategy, with lawmakers demanding answers on funding, mediation, and the path forward.