Pentagon Officials Seek $67 Billion in Supplemental Funding

Why it matters locally: While the impact of federal defense spending is broad, a significant increase could influence federal budget allocations that indirectly affect funding for various state programs and services in Rhode Island.

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WASHINGTON – Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared before Congress to discuss military expenditures and funding needs. They stated that operations in Iran have cost $37.5 billion to date. Hegseth and Caine requested an additional $67 billion in funding for the Pentagon. Hegseth described this amount as necessary for military operations and resupply. Defense officials presented their case for the supplemental funding to members of Congress.