US Defense Secretary's Six-Hour Questioning and Outburst Against Congressmen: US Military Deployment Nears 60-Day Threat
2026-04-30 17:30:05
U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegsays recently attended a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, where he faced nearly six hours of intensive questioning on issues related to the war with Iran.
This was the first time he had answered congressional questions under oath since the start of the war with Iran, and he clashed fiercely with Democratic lawmakers over issues such as the legality of the war, the use of funds, and accountability for civilian casualties.
On that day, Hegsays attended the hearing along with General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Jules Hearst, Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Defense.
In his opening remarks, Hegsays stated bluntly that the biggest “opponent” facing the United States is the defeatist rhetoric spread by the Democratic Party and some Republicans, a statement that quickly drew rebuttals from Democratic lawmakers.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kane insisted that Iran is "weaker and less capable than it has been in decades," while mentioning that 14 U.S. troops have died in the war. The Pentagon has only confirmed 14 casualties so far, and the reason for the discrepancy in the figures is unclear.
The use of funds became the core point of contention at the hearing.
Defense Chief Financial Officer Hearst disclosed that the war with Iran has cost the United States $25 billion so far, with the vast majority of the expenditure going towards ammunition supplies, the cost of deploying additional assets to the Middle East, and the replacement and upgrading of equipment lost in the fighting.
When asked whether the figure included costs for damage to U.S. military bases in the region or the cost of replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles, Hegsays did not give a clear answer.
US media reports that the government is considering requesting an additional $200 billion from Congress for war spending, but has not yet formally submitted the request.
During questioning by Democratic Representative Saloud Carvajal, Hegses took a hard line on the cost of war to American taxpayers, asking rhetorically, "How much does it cost to ensure that Iran can never acquire nuclear weapons?"
At the same time, the White House has formally submitted a request to Congress to increase the defense budget to $1.5 trillion. If approved, this would be the largest increase in U.S. military spending since World War II.
Hegsays defended the historic budget request, emphasizing that it "meets the urgent needs of the current situation," while General Kane added that the budget is "a historic investment in future national security" and will help the United States gain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving technological fields.
Democratic Representative Adam Smith seized on the contradictions in Hegses' statements: Hegses had claimed that Iran's nuclear program would be "destroyed" after a 12-day war between the US, Israel, and Iran in 2025, while at the same time stating that Iran's nuclear program posed an imminent threat before the recent war began.
Smith pointed out: "Sixty days ago you said we had to start this war because nuclear weapons were an imminent threat, and now you say it has been completely destroyed, and Iran's nuclear program is exactly the same as it was before this war started."
Hegses responded, "Their facilities were destroyed by bombing, but their ambitions continue, and they are building conventional defensive shields."
Hegseth also stated that the Trump administration had “studied all the possibilities of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz,” and that Iran’s control of this crucial fossil fuel shipping route is one of the main bargaining chips in a war.
Democratic lawmakers strongly questioned the military action and budget request, generally characterizing the U.S. military strike against Iran as a "costly and selective war without congressional approval."
California Democratic Representative John Galamendi called the war a "quagmire," a "political and economic disaster at every level," and directly accused Hegsays and the president of "lying to the American people from the beginning of the war," saying that the Trump administration is mired in the Middle East war.
Hergsays reacted strongly, dismissing the claim as "reckless and inaccurate" and accusing the congressman of "losing his objectivity due to his hatred of President Trump," even going so far as to accuse the congressman of "feeding propaganda ammunition to our enemies."
Democratic Representative Seth Morton questioned Hegsays: "When Congress didn't ask the Bush administration any tough questions and gave them blank checks for the Iraq War, do you think Congress was wise or incompetent?"
Hegsays responded that "that's a wrong analogy," while Morton countered that it "might be a good idea" for Congress to raise pointed questions.
It is worth noting that Hegses had served in the Iraqi National Guard and had previously criticized military operations and Washington’s involvement in “endless war” and “nation-building.”
In contrast, most Republican lawmakers expressed support for the Pentagon. Florida Representative Carlos Jimenez stated that Iran's 47-year-long anti-American rhetoric constitutes a "core threat to the survival of the United States" and supports the U.S. taking all measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Republican Representative Nancy Mays, who had previously been skeptical of the war and its high costs, praised Hegsays after the hearing, saying he "exceeded all my expectations."
Under the War Powers Act of 1973, Trump is theoretically required to begin withdrawing troops or obtain congressional authorization to continue operations after April 29, 2026 (60 days after the US-Israel attack on Iran).
Republicans control both the House and the Senate and have largely indicated they will avoid voting on formally authorizing the war, leaving the conflict in an ambiguous legal position.
The hearing also focused on humanitarian controversies arising from the conflict and the rules of engagement.
Democratic Representative Seth Morton questioned whether Hegsays still adhered to his past statement that "there will be no forgiveness or mercy for the enemy," a statement that historically refers to killing surrendered enemy combatants, a war crime under international and humanitarian law.
Hegses responded, "The War Department fights for victory, and we ensure that our warfighters have the most effective rules of engagement possible."
Several lawmakers have called for accountability regarding the bombing of the Minab school during the initial stages of the joint US-Israeli airstrikes.
According to official Iranian reports, the incident resulted in 168 deaths, including approximately 110 children. US media previously reported that US military investigators initially determined the bombing to be a mistake, but no final conclusion has been reached.
Committee ranking Democrat Adam Smith criticized the U.S. for remaining silent for two months after the incident, saying it "left the world with the impression of disregarding human life."
California Representative Ron Connor pressed further on the cost of the missile used in the incident, to which Hergsays responded, "This unfortunate situation is still under investigation, but I will not link the cost to it."
In addition, Democratic Representative Sarah Jacobs asked Hegses whether Trump's threat to "destroy the entire civilization" indicated that he was mentally fit to be president. Hegses responded that Trump was "the most sharp-minded and insightful commander-in-chief of all time."
The entire hearing was filled with heated debates. In addition to issues of funding and accountability, the international economic spillover effects caused by the war also became a focus of discussion, and the fluctuations in global crude oil prices were particularly noteworthy.
As a core variable in the global energy market, the ongoing conflict in Iran has directly driven up international oil prices, which in turn has pushed up the prices of various commodities through the industrial chain, resulting in a chain reaction that affects the global foreign exchange market, international trade, and inflation levels in various countries.
The continued pressure from Congress on the Pentagon will also have a restraining effect on oil prices.
It is understood that Hegseth will travel to the U.S. Senate the following day to attend another related hearing, and the progress of the subsequent controversies and budget application will continue to be closely watched by the international community and financial markets.
This was the first time he had answered congressional questions under oath since the start of the war with Iran, and he clashed fiercely with Democratic lawmakers over issues such as the legality of the war, the use of funds, and accountability for civilian casualties.
On that day, Hegsays attended the hearing along with General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Jules Hearst, Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Defense.
In his opening remarks, Hegsays stated bluntly that the biggest “opponent” facing the United States is the defeatist rhetoric spread by the Democratic Party and some Republicans, a statement that quickly drew rebuttals from Democratic lawmakers.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kane insisted that Iran is "weaker and less capable than it has been in decades," while mentioning that 14 U.S. troops have died in the war. The Pentagon has only confirmed 14 casualties so far, and the reason for the discrepancy in the figures is unclear.
Funding dispute becomes the focus: $25 billion in war expenses versus a $1.5 trillion budget proposal.
The use of funds became the core point of contention at the hearing.
Defense Chief Financial Officer Hearst disclosed that the war with Iran has cost the United States $25 billion so far, with the vast majority of the expenditure going towards ammunition supplies, the cost of deploying additional assets to the Middle East, and the replacement and upgrading of equipment lost in the fighting.
When asked whether the figure included costs for damage to U.S. military bases in the region or the cost of replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles, Hegsays did not give a clear answer.
US media reports that the government is considering requesting an additional $200 billion from Congress for war spending, but has not yet formally submitted the request.
During questioning by Democratic Representative Saloud Carvajal, Hegses took a hard line on the cost of war to American taxpayers, asking rhetorically, "How much does it cost to ensure that Iran can never acquire nuclear weapons?"
At the same time, the White House has formally submitted a request to Congress to increase the defense budget to $1.5 trillion. If approved, this would be the largest increase in U.S. military spending since World War II.
Hegsays defended the historic budget request, emphasizing that it "meets the urgent needs of the current situation," while General Kane added that the budget is "a historic investment in future national security" and will help the United States gain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving technological fields.
Questions about Iran's nuclear program: Contradictory statements raise questions.
Democratic Representative Adam Smith seized on the contradictions in Hegses' statements: Hegses had claimed that Iran's nuclear program would be "destroyed" after a 12-day war between the US, Israel, and Iran in 2025, while at the same time stating that Iran's nuclear program posed an imminent threat before the recent war began.
Smith pointed out: "Sixty days ago you said we had to start this war because nuclear weapons were an imminent threat, and now you say it has been completely destroyed, and Iran's nuclear program is exactly the same as it was before this war started."
Hegses responded, "Their facilities were destroyed by bombing, but their ambitions continue, and they are building conventional defensive shields."
Hegseth also stated that the Trump administration had “studied all the possibilities of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz,” and that Iran’s control of this crucial fossil fuel shipping route is one of the main bargaining chips in a war.
Divided positions between the two parties: Democrats condemn "battle of choice," while Republicans support security measures.
Democratic lawmakers strongly questioned the military action and budget request, generally characterizing the U.S. military strike against Iran as a "costly and selective war without congressional approval."
California Democratic Representative John Galamendi called the war a "quagmire," a "political and economic disaster at every level," and directly accused Hegsays and the president of "lying to the American people from the beginning of the war," saying that the Trump administration is mired in the Middle East war.
Hergsays reacted strongly, dismissing the claim as "reckless and inaccurate" and accusing the congressman of "losing his objectivity due to his hatred of President Trump," even going so far as to accuse the congressman of "feeding propaganda ammunition to our enemies."
Democratic Representative Seth Morton questioned Hegsays: "When Congress didn't ask the Bush administration any tough questions and gave them blank checks for the Iraq War, do you think Congress was wise or incompetent?"
Hegsays responded that "that's a wrong analogy," while Morton countered that it "might be a good idea" for Congress to raise pointed questions.
It is worth noting that Hegses had served in the Iraqi National Guard and had previously criticized military operations and Washington’s involvement in “endless war” and “nation-building.”
In contrast, most Republican lawmakers expressed support for the Pentagon. Florida Representative Carlos Jimenez stated that Iran's 47-year-long anti-American rhetoric constitutes a "core threat to the survival of the United States" and supports the U.S. taking all measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Republican Representative Nancy Mays, who had previously been skeptical of the war and its high costs, praised Hegsays after the hearing, saying he "exceeded all my expectations."
Under the War Powers Act of 1973, Trump is theoretically required to begin withdrawing troops or obtain congressional authorization to continue operations after April 29, 2026 (60 days after the US-Israel attack on Iran).
Republicans control both the House and the Senate and have largely indicated they will avoid voting on formally authorizing the war, leaving the conflict in an ambiguous legal position.
Rules of engagement and humanitarian accountability: School bombing incident prompts questions from lawmakers
The hearing also focused on humanitarian controversies arising from the conflict and the rules of engagement.
Democratic Representative Seth Morton questioned whether Hegsays still adhered to his past statement that "there will be no forgiveness or mercy for the enemy," a statement that historically refers to killing surrendered enemy combatants, a war crime under international and humanitarian law.
Hegses responded, "The War Department fights for victory, and we ensure that our warfighters have the most effective rules of engagement possible."
Several lawmakers have called for accountability regarding the bombing of the Minab school during the initial stages of the joint US-Israeli airstrikes.
According to official Iranian reports, the incident resulted in 168 deaths, including approximately 110 children. US media previously reported that US military investigators initially determined the bombing to be a mistake, but no final conclusion has been reached.
Committee ranking Democrat Adam Smith criticized the U.S. for remaining silent for two months after the incident, saying it "left the world with the impression of disregarding human life."
California Representative Ron Connor pressed further on the cost of the missile used in the incident, to which Hergsays responded, "This unfortunate situation is still under investigation, but I will not link the cost to it."
In addition, Democratic Representative Sarah Jacobs asked Hegses whether Trump's threat to "destroy the entire civilization" indicated that he was mentally fit to be president. Hegses responded that Trump was "the most sharp-minded and insightful commander-in-chief of all time."
Economic spillover effects drive crude oil price fluctuations
The entire hearing was filled with heated debates. In addition to issues of funding and accountability, the international economic spillover effects caused by the war also became a focus of discussion, and the fluctuations in global crude oil prices were particularly noteworthy.
As a core variable in the global energy market, the ongoing conflict in Iran has directly driven up international oil prices, which in turn has pushed up the prices of various commodities through the industrial chain, resulting in a chain reaction that affects the global foreign exchange market, international trade, and inflation levels in various countries.
The continued pressure from Congress on the Pentagon will also have a restraining effect on oil prices.
It is understood that Hegseth will travel to the U.S. Senate the following day to attend another related hearing, and the progress of the subsequent controversies and budget application will continue to be closely watched by the international community and financial markets.
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