Defense Secretary Seeks $350 Billion for Defense Budget

Why it matters locally: An increase in the national defense budget could impact federal contracts for Wichita's aviation industry, a key economic driver for the state, with potential for new defense-related manufacturing or maintenance opportunities.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will appear before Congress on Tuesday. He plans to request an additional $350 billion in funding for defense operations. The current conflict in Iran continues with no resolution apparent. This ongoing situation forms the backdrop for Secretary Hegseth's funding appeal to federal lawmakers.