Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine testify before congressional appropriations panels as the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2027 Pentagon budget request is considered. Multiple outlets report they appear in back-to-back hearings, with coverage focused on Tuesday in the Senate and House, where lawmakers oversee defense spending and budget priorities.
The testimony takes place amid an ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and uncertainty around the ceasefire and any potential peace arrangements. Sources say lawmakers also address how the administration’s defense budget relates to the costs and operational demands tied to the Iran war.
One outlet also notes that Hegseth faces likely questions related to his public dispute with Sen. Mark Kelly. Overall, the reports describe the hearings as a central moment for lawmakers to scrutinize both the proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request for fiscal 2027 and the government’s approach to the Iran situation.
