Hegseth Defends $1.5T Pentagon Budget Amid Iran Conflict

0:00It's April 29th. This is Global News Today, AI-powered story shaping the world. I'm Cory with the story. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Higgseth is laying out the Pentagon's massive $1.5 trillion dollar budget request to the House Armed Services Committee, calling it a historic war-fighting push amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. He says this funding reflects the urgency right now, reversing what he calls under investment from the Biden era, and it's his first time testifying. Under oath since the war kicked off in February, with costs already hitting $25 billion so far. Democrats like Rokana and Steph Molten grilled him on total expenses, including replacing damaged gear, taxpayer hits around $600. Each, and whether the U.S. is truly winning after Iran's initial blockade in the straight of Hormuz. Others like John Garamendi slammed the strategy as a self-inflicted wound with American casualties, thousands of civilian deaths, and stronger ties. Between Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea, but Higgseth fired back, calling it reckless,

1:04and propaganda fuel for enemies. A temporary ceasefire hold is talks aimed for a permanent deal without nuclear ambitions from Iran, but the war power's resolution clock ticks toward. May 1st, forcing tough choices on resuming strikes or seeking Congress approval while the hearing presses on global priorities like China.