Hegseth, Caine Defend Iran Strategy and Pentagon Budget on the Hill

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine spent five hours Tuesday defending the administration's Iran strategy and the Pentagon's $895 billion budget request before a House Armed Services Committee hearing room packed past capacity.

Hegseth opened with a forceful argument that the United States has restored "credible deterrence" in the Persian Gulf for the first time in a decade. Gen. Caine, less politically combative, walked members through what he called the "operational picture" — sortie counts, munitions usage, and force-protection posture for the roughly 40,000 service members in CENTCOM's area of responsibility.

The friction came on two fronts: the War Powers timeline and the budget ask itself. Several Republican members pressed Hegseth on whether the administration would commit to seeking a formal Authorization for Use of Military Force if hostilities resume. Hegseth declined to commit.

On budget, the Pentagon is asking for a $63 billion increase, with the largest line items concentrated in Indo-Pacific deterrence and unmanned systems. Members from both parties signaled support for the unmanned line and skepticism about the expanded F-35 buy.

The hearing adjourned without fireworks but without resolution. A vote on the National Defense Authorization Act is expected before Memorial Day.