Washington– Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face a new round of questioning from lawmakers over the Iran war on Tuesday, including some Republicans who expressed their concerns Over the course of the conflict and its failure to obtain Congressional approval.
The powerful House and Senate subcommittees that oversee defense spending are holding back-to-back hearings to review the Trump administration’s plans. Military budget proposal for 2027which calls for a historic allocation of $1.5 trillion. But it is expected that discussions will move towards dealing with the war It seems locked in a dead end like High fuel prices It poses political problems for Republicans in the midterm congressional elections.
President Donald Trump is facing increasing pressure from… Economic shocks Iran effectively closes the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil usually flows. The US Army did its part Blockade of Iranian ports and The two sides exchanged fireWith American forces thwarting attacks on its warships and disrupting oil tankers linked to Tehran.
Trump said so on Monday The ceasefire is subject to “extensive life support” He criticized Iran for its latest proposal, noting his demand that Iran significantly limit its nuclear program.
“I would call it the weakest now after reading the piece of garbage they sent us,” Trump said.
The Republican president also said he wants to suspend the federal gas tax to help Americans afford it High fuel prices. He had previously said that the high costs were worth it to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Tuesday’s hearings will give a mostly new group of lawmakers a chance to question or applaud Hegseth and Gen. Dan Kaine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about planning and executing the war.
That includes the senator. Suzanne Collins from MaineHe is a Republican whose re-election this year is not guaranteed at all. she Vote with the Democrats She spoke about efforts to stop the conflict late last month, saying that she wanted to see a specific strategy to end the war.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowskianother Republican on the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, voted against a series of unsuccessful war powers resolutions but He talked about the need for congressional approval Hence, the Americans will know the limits and objectives of the war.
Hegseth and Kane had I faced marathon hearings Two weeks ago before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, which mostly tracked the outdated positions of both parties.
In previous hearings, Hegseth notably said the ceasefire halted a 60-day deadline for Congress to approve the war, which is required under the War Powers Act of 1973. The United States and Israel began the war on February 28, while the fragile truce began on April 8.
Hegseth’s reasoning has faced opposition from Democrats and is likely to face similar criticism on Tuesday. But he will face a lot of friendly Republicans, including the chairman of the Senate subcommittee. Senator Mitch McConnell of KentuckyAnd perhaps the biggest supporter of the Iran war in Congress, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Hegseth and Keane are expected to outline the proposed defense budget and emphasize the need for more drones, warships and missile defense systems. The shares were withdrawn During the conflict.