Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has yet to gain significant support from Senate Republicans for the Trump administration’s request for tens of billions of dollars to fund the ongoing war with Iran. The conflict has rapidly depleted U.S. military stockpiles and Pentagon funds.

The war, now in its sixth month, has led to growing skepticism among Republican senators about Hegseth’s leadership of the U.S. military. Some GOP members also expressed frustration that the administration did not fully prepare them for the conflict’s financial toll, which Hegseth estimated at $37.5 billion earlier in July. Independent analysts, including Moody Analytics, project the cost to be at least $132 billion.

Following a more than two-hour meeting between Hegseth and key senators on Wednesday evening, lawmakers remained unconvinced or silent on advancing a $95 billion reconciliation package. This package includes $73 billion earmarked for the Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies. The administration is also seeking an $87.6 billion supplemental package primarily to replenish Pentagon resources as the war escalates with recent strikes on Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) described the meeting as an opportunity for Hegseth and his team to outline their vision for defense spending, emphasizing the need for bipartisan understanding on matters of national defense. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed hope that a government funding deal could be reached in time for a Senate vote next week before the chamber adjourns for a five-week August recess.

Hegseth previously appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 21 to address questions regarding the funding request.

Sources