In a series of high-stakes hearings, Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense bipartisan scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the escalating costs of the U.S. war against Iran and a proposed record $1.5 trillion military budget. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of justification for such spending, particularly with rising inflation affecting Americans. Hegseth defended the budget while asserting that the U.S. maintains control over critical regions such as the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns were raised about the authorization for continued military action in Iran, with some lawmakers questioning whether Congress should play a more active role. As Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Caine provided testimony, they were pressed on the implications of the Iran war for national security and U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to NATO and China. The discussions highlight the ongoing debate over military funding amidst pressures from both domestic priorities and international commitments.