Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing resistance from congressional Republicans over a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Senators recently departed for summer recess without reaching an agreement on the funding plan, which requires the use of the reconciliation process to bypass Democratic opposition. Several GOP lawmakers have expressed concern regarding the administration's lack of a backup plan and the political risks associated with the request ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The budget proposal follows a period where Republicans largely supported Hegseth’s initiatives despite a narrow confirmation process in which three Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. Previous successes for the Pentagon chief included a $150 billion spending increase last year, a vote to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and the reduction of diversity and inclusion programs. However, the current request for a record-breaking budget has divided the party.
A central point of contention is the administration’s reliance on reconciliation to secure $350 billion of the total $1.5 trillion. This tactic would mark the third and fourth time the GOP has used the process in two years. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of advancing further party-line bills. Additionally, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) questioned what would happen to hardware programs, such as the F-35 fighter jet and Patriot missiles, if the reconciliation bills fail.
Beyond the overall budget, Hegseth is seeking $60 billion specifically for the ongoing conflict in Iran. While a funding plan for the war passed the House, it has stalled in the Senate. Lawmakers from both parties have also criticized the Pentagon for failing to provide detailed information on military operations and spending, specifically regarding troop drawdowns in Europe and sensitive operations discussed over the Signal messaging application.
The use of the reconciliation process for defense spending would set a precedent for how the federal budget is managed, potentially shifting more control over military priorities to the White House. Small-business owners who serve as defense contractors would see significant shifts in demand depending on whether the $350 billion increase is approved. Conversely, if the partisan process fails, lawmakers warned that major programs like the F-35 could face funding gaps, which would impact the manufacturing sector and military readiness across multiple states.
What happens next is tied to the upcoming midterm elections and the return of the Senate from summer break. While President Trump has maintained his support for Hegseth and the budget plan, key Republican senators such as Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) have stated that more work is required before the proposal can move forward. The $60 billion war supplemental remains pending in the Senate, and the administration has not yet provided the "Plan B" requested by appropriators for if the reconciliation path fails.