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Democrats press administration on Iran war authority and transparency in supplemental request
Summary
Senate Democrats accused the administration of using a large supplemental to bankroll an unauthorized war and sought cost breakdowns and legal justification; administration witnesses defended their authorities and said funds are needed to sustain operations and readiness.
Vice Chair Murray and several Democratic senators used opening and questioning time to challenge the administration's decision to use military force in Iran without congressional authorization and to demand transparency about the costs. Murray said, "143 days ago, president Trump started a war of his own choosing with Iran. He did not consult Congress. He did not get authorization from Congress." She cited human and financial costs, including "17 American service members have now died," and asked why Congress should "bankroll this war."
Senator Durbin and others pressed Secretary Hegseth on earlier public statements and shifting explanations for the campaign's objectives and effectiveness. Durbin asked whether the $37.5 billion estimate Hegseth cited reflected costs to date and whether continuing operations would increase that figure. Hegseth said some of the estimate includes anticipated fiscal-year costs and that additional cost growth is possible if operations continue.
Senator Murkowski raised war-powers timing questions tied to the War Powers Resolution and cited past legal opinions about whether a supplemental appropriation could be treated as authorization. Hegseth repeatedly deferred legal specifics to counsel, saying the department and the White House "share the position" that authorities exist to conduct current operations. Senators asked for written follow-up from DOD legal counsel and for explicit cost breakdowns of the supplemental tied to Iran-related activities.
