US Spends Over $1.2 Trillion NT Dollars on Iran Conflict! Defense Secretary Seeks Emergency Funding in Congressional Hearing, Sparks Heated Debate in Senate

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the 21st to seek emergency funding for the Trump administration’s military operations against Iran and the broader defense budget. According to Hegseth, US military operations against Iran have already cost $37.5 billion (approximately NT$1.23 trillion).

The hearing, however, was highly contentious. Hegseth’s testimony was repeatedly interrupted by anti-war protesters, and bipartisan senators launched sharp criticisms over vague strategic goals, rising US military casualties, and concerns about budget management.

With six months remaining until the US midterm elections, Republicans are preparing a massive $95 billion omnibus spending package. The bill includes $60 billion in military funding, $12 billion for national security, $10 billion in agricultural tariff subsidies, and $10 billion for election law reforms. However, the package includes no alternative revenue sources to offset the spending, immediately triggering fierce political battles.

### 'Unused Budgets, Yet More Funding?' Bipartisan Senators Challenge Pentagon

According to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters, Hegseth emphasized during the hearing that this emergency supplemental funding, along with President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, represents a 'generational investment' in the US military. Hegseth stated, 'Without these funds, our military will face critical shortages and may be forced to cut back on training,' adding, 'Failing to provide the $1.5 trillion budget is, in my view, the greatest threat our nation faces.'

Susan Collins, the Republican chair of the Appropriations Committee, expressed deep concerns, criticizing the Pentagon for freezing or rejecting promotions of numerous military officers, particularly women and minority service members. Patty Murray, the committee’s top Democrat, issued a stern warning that the conflict is turning into another 'forever war.'

Murray accused Trump of repeatedly claiming 'a deal is near, the war will end soon,' yet now demanding $70 billion in additional funding and asking Congress to blindly trust him. She also raised concerns that Trump’s threats to attack civilian infrastructure and escalate the conflict could constitute war crimes.

New Hampshire Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen directly challenged budgetary gaps, questioning why the Pentagon is requesting more funds when nearly half of the $150 billion allocated last year remains unspent: 'On what basis do you ask the American people, many of whom oppose this war, to bear these additional costs?' When Hegseth attempted to justify the request by citing the 'historic nature' of Trump’s military strategy, Shaheen interrupted him. Hegseth later clarified that the remaining funds from last year’s budget would be fully expended by September of this year.

### 'The Enemy Also Has a Say' – Military Admits Total Cost Is Unpredictable

When Republican Senator Mike Rounds asked whether this funding would be sufficient to 'complete the mission,' General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave a remarkably candid response: 'I cannot say how much it will cost because the enemy also has a decision-making role.'

Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy questioned the military about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, asking whether Iran might impose tolls on this critical international waterway for global oil transport. General Caine responded, 'That’s a hypothetical question; I cannot answer it now.' Kennedy immediately retorted, 'Ladies and gentlemen, we need direct and honest answers.'

The atmosphere in the hearing room deteriorated in the latter half. New York Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand accused the administration of contradictory statements: 'Has this war ended or not? Were missiles even fired?' Hegseth fired back, accusing her of 'making a campaign ad.'

Michigan Democrat Senator Gary Peters criticized the administration’s Iran strategy as a complete 'failure and quagmire.' Hegseth responded emotionally, shouting, 'Those who call this war a quagmire and a failure should be ashamed!' Peters immediately shot back, 'You are the failure, Mr. Secretary! Our troops have not failed; it’s the leadership that lacks a long-term winning strategy.' Hegseth then accused Democrats of suffering from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome,' claiming they oppose the funding solely out of hatred for Trump.

### Ceasefire Collapses, Casualties Rise – Republicans Plan to Force Budget Through Reconciliation

A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran collapsed earlier this month, leading to a full escalation of airstrikes. According to Pentagon and international media data, US military fatalities have risen to 18, with approximately 430 service members wounded. In the past week, Trump has threatened to expand targets to include Iranian power plants and bridges, and even to deploy ground troops to seize the oil hub on Kharg Island or destroy the underground nuclear facility 'Pickaxe Mountain.'

An Associated Press poll shows that a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of the Iran issue. As Iran attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have surged, and US military stockpiles of precision-guided munitions are rapidly depleting due to frequent missile strikes.

Nevertheless, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, 'The Commander-in-Chief and the entire Department of Defense are working hard to achieve a resolution to this conflict.' The Associated Press reports that Republicans are currently planning to use the 'reconciliation process' to bypass the Senate’s 60-vote threshold and force through the massive spending bill with their narrow majority. The bill is expected to go to a House vote this week, but Johnson faces immense pressure from conservative Republicans demanding that other spending cuts be made to offset the budget.