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Iran war cost now US$37.5B, Hegseth says while asking for more funding
🇨🇦 Canada /Conflict & Security

Iran war cost now US$37.5B, Hegseth says while asking for more funding

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion and requested urgent funding.
  • Republicans are preparing a $95 billion budget package to support the military and other White House priorities.
  • Protests occurred during Hegseth's testimony, with critics warning of "another forever war" and questioning the need for additional funds.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented a stark picture of the ongoing conflict with Iran, estimating its cost at $37.5 billion and urging lawmakers to approve an "urgent, necessary" injection of funds. His testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee came as Republicans prepare a $95 billion budget package aimed at bolstering the military and other administration priorities.

Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls.

— Pete HegsethTestifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the need for war funding.

Hegseth's cost estimate is higher than previous assessments. The request for supplemental war funding is presented as a critical need, especially after the Pentagon recently reported the deaths of three more American service members, bringing the total to 17 since early July, with over 100 injured. Hegseth described the proposed funding as a "generational investment in the military."

However, the secretary faced significant pushback. Protesters interrupted his opening remarks, and Senator Patty Murray voiced concerns about the war "spiraling out of control again," warning of "another forever war." Murray questioned President Trump's repeated claims that a deal was near, contrasting them with the request for substantial additional funding without clear assurances.

This war is now spiraling out of control again.

— Sen. Patty MurrayExpressing concerns about the ongoing conflict with Iran during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

The proposed GOP budget package also includes $10 billion for farm aid and $10 billion for voting law changes. The White House issued a statement urging immediate support for the resolution. The war funding constitutes the largest portion of the Republican proposal, a final legislative push before lawmakers recess for midterm election campaigning. Despite public disapproval of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict and rising gas prices, the administration shows no sign of de-escalation, and Republican lawmakers have largely refrained from challenging the strategy or using Congress's power of the purse.

But now, he’s asking for $70 billion more, and for us to just trust him it’ll all work out fine.

— Sen. Patty MurrayQuestioning President Trump's requests for additional war funding.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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