Lead
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday to request an additional $67bn for the ongoing war with Iran, a conflict he estimated has already cost $37.5bn. The request comes as the military continues strikes on Iran for an 11th consecutive night, and as lawmakers from both parties questioned the escalating price tag and strategic direction of the campaign.
Coverage comparison
Reports from Al Jazeera, the BBC, and Deutsche Welle offer a consistent picture of the hearing and the funding request, though they differ in focus. Al Jazeera highlighted the human and economic toll of the war, reporting that at least 18 US service members have died and about 500 have been injured. The outlet also noted that petrol prices have risen by nearly 100% in some US states, adding billions to American household costs. BBC — World centered its coverage on the political process, noting that some Democrats and Republicans oppose the funding request)Skip. Deutsche Welle emphasized the urgency of Hegseth's plea before the Senate panel.
Key Claims
Hegseth confirmed the war's cost at $37bn and climbing, according to Al Jazeera. He provided the estimate during the hearing, and the figure aligns with the $37.5bn reported by multiple outlets. The $67bn request would cover military training and equipment, as reported by BBC.
The human toll of the conflict includes at least 18 US service members killed and about 500 injured, according to Al Jazeera. The war has also contributed to soaring petrol prices, with Al Jazeera reporting that prices have increased in some US states and that Americans have paid an additional $37bn in petrol and diesel costs since the war began. A separate estimate from Al Jazeera places the total extra cost to Americans at over $72bn.
Key Claims
- War cost: Hegseth confirmed the current cost at $37.5bn, as reported by multiple outlets. According to Al Jazeera's report, this figure is an estimate provided by Hegseth during his testimony. The BBC cited two Democratic sources and one other source familiar with the matter who believe the actual cost is higher, noting that the figure does not include costs like rebuilding damaged American bases.
- Funding request: Hegseth requested an additional $67bn, which he said would be used to build military "lethality" and ensure the US does not "play catch-up" with other nations. The funds would also cover military training and equipment, as reported by the BBC.
- Congressional opposition: Both Democrats and some Republicans expressed opposition to the request. Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat, challenged Hegseth, saying, "You are asking the American people for a blank cheque." Republican Senator John Kennedy also pressed for "straight answers." A shouting match reportedly broke out between Hegseth and Peters during the hearing.
Key Claims
- War cost estimate: Hegseth put the cost of the war at $37.5bn, a figure he cited during the hearing. This aligns with earlier estimates from the Pentagon, though some sources familiar with the matter believe the actual cost is higher, citing unaccounted expenses like repairing damaged bases, as reported by the BBC.
- Additional funding request: Hegseth requested $67bn more, describing it as a 'generational investment' to avoid 'playing catch-up' with other nations' militaries, according to a BBC report.
- Casualties and economic impact: At least 18 US service members have died and about 500 have been injured, according to a report from Al Jazeera. The same report noted that petrol prices have increased by nearly 100% in some US states, costing Americans over $72bn in extra fuel costs.
- Bipartisan opposition: Both Democrats and Republicans have voiced opposition to the funding request has been reported. During the hearing, Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat, told Hegseth: "You are asking the American people for a blank cheque." Senator Susan Collins, a Republican and chair of the committee, questioned Hegseth about the consequences of not meeting the budget needs. Hegseth warned that without the funds, training and equipment for the military would be cut.
Key Claims
Hegseth testified that the war has cost $37.5bn so far, a figure he provided in response to a question from Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. But the actual costs may be higher, according to two Democratic sources and a third source familiar with the matter, as reported by CBS. Those sources said the figure did not include expenses like rebuilding damaged American bases. The last official estimate before Tuesday had come in May, when a senior Pentagon official put the cost at $29bn. The war's first week alone cost $11.3bn, according to the Pentagon.
The request for $67bn in additional funds drew sharp criticism from lawmakers. Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat, accused Hegseth of asking for "almost $70bn" after a "failure to win" the warcars. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the committee, said the request "does not make a lot of sense." Senator Kirsten Gillibrand accused the administration of seeking "unlimited money for bombs" while American families struggle.
But Hegseth defended the request as necessary to "build the lethality of US military forces" and "ensure peace through strength." He blamed the previous administration for underfunding the military.