Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs Chair Testify Before Congress

This C-SPAN hearing on April 29, 2026, featured testimony from Defense Secretary Pete Hegsth and Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Kaine before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the Department of Defense's fiscal year 2027 budget request and ongoing military operations, particularly the conflict with Iran. The Secretary outlined a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget aimed at reversing years of underinvestment, revitalizing the defense industrial base with over $50 billion in private investments, increasing military personnel by 44,000, and boosting procurement and R&D funding by 76% and 64% respectively. The hearing included extensive discussion on the costs and strategic objectives of the Iran conflict, with Secretary Hegsth estimating $25 billion spent so far and emphasizing efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Members questioned the administration's war strategy, readiness impacts, munitions stockpiles, and quality of life for service members. The hearing also addressed shipbuilding programs, including the continuation of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and concerns over new battleship construction. Several members raised issues about personnel changes, acquisition reforms, and the need for transparency on war costs. The Secretary and General Kaine highlighted ongoing reforms to improve acquisition efficiency, industrial base capacity, and military readiness. The hearing concluded with bipartisan calls for continued support of the military and oversight of defense spending.