Pete Hegseth testifies at Senate budget hearing requesting supplemental Iran war funding

[3:05] Senator from Connecticut. [3:06] I understand we are not in a quorum call. [3:10] That is correct. [3:11] Thank you, Mr. President. [3:13] I'm here today with a very straightforward, [3:18] simple resolution. [3:20] It's about enforcement. [3:21] For most of my career, I was an enforcer, [3:29] a federal prosecutor, United States Attorney for Connecticut, [3:32] and then Attorney General of the state of Connecticut [3:35] for 20 years. [3:39] So I know, we all know, that the law is dead letter [3:45] if it's not enforced. [3:48] And there is a very, very profoundly important law, [3:53] in fact, our Constitution, that needs enforcement. [3:58] That's the task that brings me to the Senate floor today. [4:04] I am asking for a resolution to direct the Senate Legal [4:08] Council to bring a civil action in the name of the United States [4:13] Senate to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause contained [4:18] in Article I of the Constitution. [4:23] This clause states that the president cannot accept any gifts, [4:31] payments, benefits, or anything else of value [4:36] from foreign governments unless he receives the consent of Congress. [4:43] Presidents have uniformly obeyed the Emoluments Clause [4:47] for all of our illustrious 250 years of existence. [4:53] The founders thought this clause was central to preserving our nation. [5:03] Why? [5:05] Because at the time of our founding, [5:07] we were a fledgling and struggling nation. [5:12] Foreign powers like France and England were arrayed against us [5:17] with potentates and rich business people, [5:21] powerful adversaries who could corrupt our leaders. [5:29] And so, specifically in the Constitution, [5:33] as a matter of our national security, [5:36] not just to prevent corruption, gift-taking that might violate [5:42] our sense of morality, but as a matter of the defense of our nation, [5:48] they inserted the Emoluments Clause that required consent of Congress [5:53] before the president or any other public official [5:57] could accept anything of value, [6:01] whether it be a benefit, an indirect payment, anything of value. [6:08] And so now, if you are a member of the Armed Services [6:15] and you're asked to teach a course in another country [6:20] and you're paid for it, you need to get permission. [6:23] It applies to the lowliest of federal officials and the highest. [6:27] The Emoluments Clause is part of our Constitution. [6:32] I know a lot about the Emoluments Clause because I sued Donald Trump [6:37] under the Emoluments Clause during his first term, [6:42] and we won at the district court level. [6:45] In fact, we prevailed in that lawsuit, [6:49] but then we were told that we had no standing. [6:57] Under the federal laws of procedure, a party in court, [7:02] successfully invoked the jurisdiction of the federal courts [7:08] must have what is called standing, [7:10] which is not just aggrievement but personal involvement and harm. [7:18] And the court said, in effect, [7:22] you are individual members of Congress. [7:24] There were more than 250 of us, but you're not the body. [7:30] You're not the Senate. [7:31] You're not the House of Representatives, which brings me here today, [7:38] because I want the United States Senate to take a stand, [7:46] to stand up against the illegal practices of this president [7:56] in taking an aircraft from Air Force One, [8:43] but he wants to take that jet [8:48] and then install it as part of his private library. [8:52] In fact, he may use it afterward. [8:56] We don't know. [8:57] What we do know is costly modifications were required [9:01] to ensure the installation of multiple top-secret systems [9:06] to get the plane flight ready, [9:08] and now it has to go back for more work [9:10] because, in fact, the security system right now is inadequate. [9:16] But we know taxpayers are going to foot the bill, [9:19] a benefit to the president, [9:22] probably in excess of $1 billion. [9:30] That jet barely scratches the surface of emoluments [9:35] going to President Trump. [9:40] In 2025, President Trump and his son [9:48] took about $500 million [9:53] for a 49% stake in the Trump family crypto business, [10:00] World Liberty Financial, [10:03] invested by the MGX Fund Management Limited, [10:11] which is an investment firm, in turn, [10:14] backed by a UAE sovereign wealth fund [10:19] at the initiative of Sheikh Chanun, [10:24] the UAE's national security advisor, [10:27] and the brother of the UAE's president. [10:30] In other words, an investment by the UAE wealth fund, [10:35] controlled by the ruling family of the UAE, [10:40] for 49% in World Liberty Financial, $500 million. [10:47] And then, magically, magically, [10:54] President Trump approved sales of $1.4 million [10:59] in military equipment for the UAE. [11:02] And in addition, the sale of highly sophisticated, [11:07] advanced chips necessary for the UAE [11:11] to build a data center that could rival ours [11:16] in the United States. [11:20] Our national security compromised [11:22] as a result of payments to World Liberty Financial, [11:26] the Trump and, by the way, [11:28] Whitcoff family crypto business. [11:35] Supplemental funding is critical [11:38] to supporting our service members [11:41] and protecting America's national security. [11:45] There are certainly divergent views on this committee [11:49] about the decision to use military force against Iran. [11:54] The Senate, as a body, has already taken numerous votes [11:58] on these issues and will likely continue to do so. [12:03] But irrespective of our differing views [12:07] about the military operations, [12:10] the fact remains that there are must-pay bills [12:15] and urgent requirements facing the department [12:20] that affect the ability of our troops to be well-trained [12:25] and, more broadly, of the U.S. military to deter [12:30] and defend against potential aggressors worldwide. [12:36] I would note that some of the requirements, [12:39] such as the shortfalls in munitions, [12:43] have been well-known to this committee for some time. [12:47] And prior to the conflict with Iran, [12:50] there has been bipartisan support [12:54] to address these shortfalls. [12:56] While these munitions shortfalls have been years in the making, [13:01] they are growing increasingly urgent. [13:05] We should not undermine the readiness of our service members [13:11] for any engagement [13:13] or refuse to rebuild critical capabilities. [13:18] Our men and women in uniform [13:21] do not decide where they are sent [13:25] or the missions to which they are assigned. [13:29] Congress has a responsibility to ensure [13:33] that they have the tools, the training, [13:36] and the support that they need [13:39] to accomplish their missions. [13:42] On the topic of our service members, [13:45] I would be remiss if I did not note [13:50] that since January of last year, [13:53] the department has removed a number of senior generals [13:57] and admirals from their positions, [14:01] blocked or altered promotion lists across multiple services, [14:07] and intervened in several senior assignments. [14:12] A recent New York Times story reported [14:16] that about 40 senior officers were removed from promotion lists, [14:21] and more than two dozen generals and admirals were fired or sidelined, [14:28] including Admiral Lisa Franchetti, [14:33] the first woman to leave the Navy. [14:37] The Times further reports [14:39] that more than half of those fired or removed [14:43] have been female or black, [14:46] and that for the first time in more than a decade, [14:52] no active duty female naval officers [14:57] are likely to be promoted to Admiral. [15:02] I find this deeply troubling. [15:05] These are men and women who volunteered to serve our country [15:09] and swore an oath to support and defend our Constitution. [15:15] Over the course of their careers, [15:18] they have earned the support and the trust [15:23] of their commanders and subordinates, [15:26] led our men and women in uniform, [15:29] and were selected through rigorous command and promotion boards. [15:35] They have served under presidents [15:38] and defense secretaries from both parties. [15:43] Reports that women and people of color are disproportionately fired [15:48] or sidelined create the impression [15:52] that their service is not valued. [15:56] This is likely to discourage well-qualified women [16:01] and individuals of color from joining our armed forces, [16:07] thus depriving us of their talent, dedication, and patriotism. [16:13] The United States military is one of the greatest meritocracies [16:19] in the free world. [16:21] We need to make sure that it stays that way. [16:27] I now recognize Vice President Murray for her opening statement. [16:32] Thank you very much, Chair Collins, [16:34] and thank you to all of our witnesses who are here today. [16:37] I first, too, do want to acknowledge the loss of one of our colleagues on this dais. [16:42] Like so many, I was very shocked and saddened to learn of Senator Graham's passing. [16:47] We disagreed on many issues, but there was no denying the energy [16:51] that Lindsay brought to this job. [16:54] And whenever we could, we found common ground [16:56] and managed to get something done. [16:58] So I just wanted to express that my heart goes out to his family, [17:02] friends, and loved ones today. [17:05] Now, I want to start with a few facts. [17:07] A hundred and forty-three days ago, [17:10] President Trump started a war of his own choosing with Iran. [17:15] He did not consult Congress. [17:17] He did not get authorization from Congress. [17:20] He did not build a coalition of allies. [17:23] He did not make a case to the American people, [17:26] nor did he ever win their support. [17:28] Two-thirds of Americans opposed the war, [17:31] and the President's decision had catastrophic costs. [17:35] Seventeen American service members have now died, [17:38] and that includes three who tragically lost their lives [17:41] over the last few days, and another is still missing. [17:45] Several hundred more have been injured, [17:48] including nearly a hundred who've been hurt just in the last few weeks. [17:52] We owe all of them and their families a debt of gratitude [17:57] that we can never repay. [17:59] Thousands of civilians have also been killed, [18:02] and this administration will not tell the public or Congress [18:05] the true financial costs of this war, [18:09] but we know it is very well into the tens of billions of dollars. [18:13] Tax dollars we could have spent helping people afford health care [18:18] or building new housing have now been lit on fire by a President [18:22] who blundered us into a disastrous war. [18:25] And the cost to families' bank accounts are staggering. [18:29] Economic growth has slowed to a crawl. [18:32] Inflation has shot up about 50 percent since this war began. [18:36] On average, gas costs just under three dollars on February 28th. [18:40] Today, it is over four dollars and ticking back up with the strait closed again. [18:46] Americans have now paid more than 70 billion dollars more on gas since this war began. [18:52] That is over 550 dollars more per household. [18:57] Fertilizer costs skyrocketed in the middle of spring planting, [19:01] crushing farmers operating on extremely thin margins, [19:04] and costing families more on just about everything they buy at the grocery store. [19:09] The costs of this war have been astronomical. [19:13] And what has it been for? [19:15] What has actually been achieved? [19:18] We hear a different rationale for this war every few days. [19:22] It was about preempting imminent threats, [19:25] which we now know did not exist. [19:27] It was about regime change, then liberating the Iranian people. [19:32] It was about destroying Iran's nuclear program and its navy. [19:36] And at one point, it was about taking out its ballistic missiles [19:40] until that is until the president decided that actually, and I quote, [19:44] it's a little bit unfair for them not to have some. [19:47] Trump has even suggested the war is about taking Iran's oil to, quote, [19:52] make a fortune. [19:53] And now the United States primary strategic objective [19:57] seems to be to actually just reopen the Strait of Hormuz, [20:01] which, of course, was fully open, toll free before this war began. [20:07] President Trump has, by any objective measure, [20:10] failed to achieve its goals. [20:12] Our country is no safer or better off than before the war. [20:15] In fact, we are considerably less safe. [20:19] Our stockpiles have been depleted, [20:21] and it will take years of production to fully replenish them, [20:24] no matter how much money is thrown at this problem. [20:27] Our global force posture is much weaker, [20:30] and assets have been moved now to the Middle East. [20:34] And we are now much further away from a long-term solution [20:37] to halt Iran's nuclear program than we were before Trump ripped up the deal [20:42] that President Obama negotiated, [20:44] which secured actual measurable commitments and progress [20:48] without ever starting a costly war. [20:51] In fact, there are new reports that Iran may have moved nuclear assets [20:55] into a mountain bunker, [20:57] which raises concerns about whether Iran might restart its program. [21:02] It used to be a pretty somber and serious thing, [21:06] a president taking America to war and costing lives and taxpayer dollars. [21:12] But this president has been downright flippant. [21:15] The people I represent worry Trump thinks this is all a game [21:19] and has sent men and women into harm's way without any sort of plan. [21:23] And now that he's driven that car into the ditch, [21:25] he wants taxpayers to bail him out. [21:29] As the daughter of a World War Two veteran and a Purple Heart recipient, [21:34] the way this White House has blissfully operated with no plan for success [21:38] is disrespectful to our men and women in uniform. [21:42] These are patriots. [21:44] They are highly trained and have sacrificed tremendously to keep us safe. [21:49] They shouldn't be forced to put a show on for the president's birthday parade [21:53] or do the job of Border Patrol agents [21:56] or risk their lives in a disastrous war that the president clearly failed to think through. [22:02] And as a U.S. senator, this administration's refusal to explain what it is doing [22:07] or how this war is protecting Americans, [22:09] its refusal to seek authorization from Congress, [22:13] and its expectation that Americans will now just pay for it all [22:18] without any explanation or transparency is disrespectful. [22:22] And it's insulting to the people back home that all of us represent. [22:26] So here we are five months later. [22:28] The Strait is closed. [22:30] The ceasefire hasn't just disintegrated. [22:33] This this war is now spiraling out of control again. [22:37] The president is threatening escalation and war crimes [22:40] and suggesting this could be another forever war. [22:43] He has told us over 40 times now that a deal is near [22:48] and the war will be over soon. [22:50] But now he is asking for 70 billion dollars more [22:55] and for us to just trust him, it'll work out fine. [22:58] Look, I've been very clear. [22:59] My Democratic colleagues and I will do absolutely everything [23:03] to ensure that we do take care of our service members [23:06] and keep this country safe. [23:09] Chairman Cain, I hope you know that every Democrat on this committee [23:13] deeply respects the sacrifices that you and our service members [23:17] and their families are making everyone who signed up to serve our country [23:22] deserves to be more than an afterthought in a war [23:25] that the president decided to launch, [23:27] despite all the blinking red warnings. [23:30] But my colleagues and I cannot and will not support rubber stamping [23:34] a request to bankroll this war [23:36] and whatever other misadventures Trump wants to get us into next. [23:41] The American people want to see a quick and strategic end to this war, [23:47] not 70 billion dollars of their tax dollars sent to keep it going. [23:53] And I want to make a few important points. [23:55] First, the president's request is not even a primarily a primarily a request [24:00] to cover the costs of the Iran war. [24:02] This request is chock full of asks to fund unrelated DOD priorities, [24:08] which should be considered through our annual appropriations process, [24:12] not in an emergency supplemental. [24:14] And that includes almost a billion dollars for Southcom, [24:18] nearly a billion dollars to keep deploying the National Guard here in DC, [24:23] and more than a billion dollars for the southern border. [24:26] Secondly, President Trump is making this request as the Pentagon [24:30] has a record-breaking $1 trillion total budget for FY26, [24:36] including over $75 billion, it has in unspent money from Republicans' big ugly bill. [24:44] Understand you may have mismanaged your budget, Secretary Hague said, [24:48] but you have to do your due diligence to fix the cash flow problems you've caused [24:54] before asking taxpayers for more. [24:58] Third, the president is now asking for all of us to approve tens of billions of dollars [25:04] in new funding for the war while his administration still has yet to share actual cost estimates, [25:12] essential information to justify this request, [25:15] and a plan for where on earth this conflict goes next. [25:19] This administration is either hiding the truth from Congress and the American people, [25:24] or if you take at face value what they've said in the few briefings that we've had, [25:29] they have no idea what is going on and no plan to right the ship, [25:33] neither of which is acceptable. [25:35] Now, Trump is also asking Congress for over $10 billion to help struggling American farmers [25:41] who have been crushed first by the tariffs and then by this war, [25:45] which has shot fertilizer and diesel costs through the roof. [25:48] I'm digging into that request, but let me be clear. [25:51] As we're looking at what farmers might need to weather Trump's storm, [25:55] we must also help families put food on the table. [25:59] And to do that, we should delay and ultimately reverse Republicans' [26:03] deep cuts to SNAP, which have already kicked at least 1 million kids off of food assistance. [26:11] Finally, Trump has also requested, and I had to read this one twice to believe, [26:16] $1.3 billion in new funding for the State Department for Global Health and Humanitarian Needs. [26:23] At the very same time, his administration is withholding more than twice that amount in funding that has already been signed into law [26:32] and is available for the same purpose. [26:35] He's also asking for authorities to make U.S. taxpayer dollars subsidize the Venezuelan oil industry [26:41] and to finance the establishment of private investment funds like the one he just handed over to one of his ballroom donors. [26:48] Unfortunately, Secretary Rubio is not here with us today to explain those requests, [26:53] to talk about how this war forced one of the largest evacuations of our diplomatic posts ever, [26:59] or to explain whether, as a national security advisor, he still thinks this war is, quote, the right decision, [27:06] and whether he still, quote, believes in it strongly. [27:09] So, this is really a request to make taxpayers pay for the President's reckless decisions from the Iran War, [27:15] to his trade wars, to his global health cuts, [27:18] all while doing nothing to help our families back home who are suffering because of those decisions. [27:23] And that, that is what we should be focused on, helping people. [27:27] Because as Senator Padilla and others on both sides of the aisle will tell us shortly, [27:32] there are urgent domestic needs that we should be addressing instead of sending more money for Trump to drop bombs overseas. [27:40] Priorities like disaster relief for our communities that have been ravaged by the unthinkable, [27:46] or taking action to lower families' costs. [27:48] You know what's a crisis right now? [27:50] The fact that there are families I hear from back home who are working full-time [27:55] and still being forced to decide whether to skip meals [27:58] so they finally can buy their kids a pair of shoes. [28:01] You know what's a crisis? [28:02] The fact that hospitals are shutting down and kids are going hungry because of Republicans' cuts. [28:08] Instead of bankrolling the President's war or sending ICE $70 billion, [28:13] my colleagues on the other side of the aisle could work with us to quadruple our investments [28:19] to cure cancer or help families afford child care or help them afford to cool their homes. [28:24] Those are policy choices. [28:26] And Republican leadership has chosen to focus on funding war and ICE endlessly, [28:31] without a single cent for our American families. [28:34] So let me close with this. [28:35] This President says we can't afford health care, we can't afford child care, we can't [28:41] afford housing, but somehow we can always afford another war. [28:46] No price tag on that. [28:48] Families in Washington State are skipping doctor's visits so they can afford groceries. [28:52] Trump wants Congress to cut him a blank check for a war that no one supports. [28:57] The American people entrust us to spend their taxpayer dollars strategically and thoughtfully. [29:04] This is a huge responsibility, so let me be clear. [29:07] I'm ready to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan way, as always, to address the needs of our nation [29:14] and the American people. [29:16] But I hope we can have real conversations about why there seems to always be money for Trump's [29:21] wars, but never money for the families back home who are desperate for a little relief. [29:26] So I look forward to today's discussion. [29:28] Thank you. [29:29] I will now introduce our first panel of witnesses. [29:35] Today we're going to be hearing first from our colleagues, Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, [29:43] Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina, and Senator Alex Padilla of California. [29:50] I welcome all of you, and Senator Rounds will begin with you first. [29:58] Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity [30:02] to highlight why food security and national security go hand in hand. [30:08] I'd also like to thank the Trump administration for recognizing that input pressures have made [30:13] it more difficult for American farmers to support their own operations. [30:18] In South Dakota, farming and ranching is more than a job, it's a way of life built on hard [30:23] work, stewardship, and the hope of leaving the land better for the next generation. [30:29] Feeding and fueling the world has never been easy. [30:33] Producers continue showing up year after year, despite drought, floods, disease, pests, volatile [30:38] markets, and other challenges beyond their control. [30:43] This supplemental funding request comes at a critical time. [30:47] Farmers and ranchers are facing production costs that exceed market returns. [30:52] Higher fertilizer, diesel fuel, seed, equipment, and crop protection costs, coupled with retaliatory [30:59] trade practices and continued market uncertainty, have put enormous financial pressure on producers. [31:08] Specifically, the projected loss per acre across the country in 2026 for corn is $131. [31:18] For cotton, $342. For wheat, $114. And for soybeans, $80. [31:28] While we work to strengthen America's ability to produce more of what we need here at home [31:32] and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, Congress should provide stability so producers [31:39] can remain in business and continue producing the best food and fuel in the world. [31:46] Today's threats extend well beyond weather and markets. [31:51] Foreign adversaries, cyber threats, industry consolidation, arbitrary standards, and unfair [31:56] trade practices impact farmers' ability to produce food, fiber, and fuel. [32:03] Food security, energy security, and national security are connected. [32:09] We also have an opportunity to strengthen both agriculture and energy security by permanently [32:15] authorizing voluntary access to nationwide year-round sales of E15. [32:23] Giving consumers the option to choose a higher ethanol blend would increase domestic fuel production, [32:29] expand markets for corn growers, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, and provide families [32:35] with lower-cost options at the pump. [32:38] Given the significant defense investments included in this supplemental, I also want to emphasize [32:43] the importance of fully funding our national defense. [32:48] We are living in one of the most complex and lethal threat environments since the Second [32:52] World War. [32:53] And the brave men and women who volunteer to defend this country deserve the leadership, [33:00] training, and equipment, along with resources necessary to maintain America's military advantage. [33:08] Protecting America's food supply, energy supply, and national defense are not separate priorities. [33:15] They reinforce one another. [33:17] This supplemental provides needed assistance to help farm and ranch families endure today's [33:22] economic challenges, while Congress and the administration continue advancing long-term policies [33:29] that strengthen American agriculture. [33:32] I urge my colleagues to support this supplemental request to provide stability to our ag producers [33:39] at this time. [33:41] Thank you, Madam Chair. [33:44] Thank you, Senator Browns. [33:47] Senator Budd. [33:49] Mayor Collins, Vice Chair Murray, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity [33:53] to testify this afternoon to provide a voice for the people in western North Carolina. [33:59] More than 21 months ago, Hurricane Helene unleashed an unprecedented amount of rainfall on the Blue [34:04] Ridge Mountains, causing severe flooding and devastating landslides. [34:09] The storm left behind tens of billions in damage. [34:14] In December 2024, Congress responded by approving a disaster supplemental that provided billions [34:20] of dollars to western North Carolina recovery. [34:23] Additionally, North Carolina's state government stepped up by committing roughly $2.4 billion in [34:29] state appropriations and redirecting more than $2 billion from state agencies for reconstruction. [34:36] But the Blue Ridge Mountains' challenging terrain has made it uniquely difficult for federal programs [34:41] to operate, resulting in delays and inefficiencies. [34:45] And there's still work to be done. [34:47] Too many projects in western North Carolina have stalled due to insufficient funding or because [34:53] of financial shortfalls from expensive debris removal and rebuilding efforts. [34:58] I greatly appreciate that President Trump and Secretary Mullen have empowered FEMA to more rapidly reimburse [35:05] the state and local governments for public assistance projects. [35:08] However, FEMA is only one part of the equation. [35:12] The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other federal [35:16] agencies play a key role in disaster recovery. [35:20] And much of the existing disaster funding for those agencies has already largely been allocated. [35:26] When I visit western North Carolina, I see the impacts the delays in recovery have caused. [35:33] Debris still clogs the waterways. [35:36] Facilities that provide drinking water and manage wastewater have yet to be rebuilt. [35:40] Most concerning, some homeowners are paying mortgages on properties that are still unlivable [35:45] or yet to be rebuilt. [35:48] Towns have been forced to embrace expensive short-term stopgap solutions just to carry out their [35:53] most basic functions for their residents. [35:57] In the small town of Beech Mountain, there is no long-term water supply. [36:01] The dam and water treatment plant were heavily damaged, forcing the town out of compliance [36:06] with state safety standards. [36:08] And as a result, the state could be finding Beech Mountain $25,000 per day. [36:16] Most repairs are needed so that the water treatment plant can function long-term. [36:20] If funded, this process will take at least a year and require significant diversion of utilities [36:25] and or daily water trucks just so hundreds of residents will have to have clean drinking [36:30] water during construction. [36:32] Three years is too long to wait after a disaster, and we can't delay any longer. [36:38] Tourism, the lifeblood of much of western North Carolina, has begun to rebound. [36:42] There's still far too many areas that are unable to accommodate the travelers they once welcomed. [36:48] But I want to highlight a few examples of success stories to show how ample funding for the last disaster [36:54] supplemental, paired with exceptional planning and project execution, made an immediate impact [37:00] on our mountain communities. [37:01] Last July, portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened after 57 landslides struck 200 miles [37:09] of the parkway. [37:11] This Memorial Day weekend, Lake Lohr reopened the public to the public after an incredible [37:17] debris removal and refilling project. [37:19] And I want to be clear that I fully support President Trump's request to replenish our [37:24] munitions stockpile and strengthen our military. [37:27] And I'm also appreciative of his efforts to provide economic assistance to farmers impacted [37:32] by disasters and unfair trade practices. [37:35] However, to address the long-term recovery needs of western North Carolina, more federal funds [37:40] are needed. [37:41] Every time I'm in western North Carolina, people ask me to make sure that they're not [37:46] forgotten. [37:47] This is Congress's chance to remind them that we're serious about helping them get back [37:51] on their feet. [37:53] I'm deeply grateful to the members of the committee for holding this hearing, and I [37:56] look forward to continuing to work with you throughout this whole process. [37:59] Thank you. [38:03] Thank you, Senator Budd. [38:05] Senator Padilla. [38:07] Thank you, Madam Chair, Vice-Chair Murray, members of the committee, appreciate the opportunity [38:11] to testify on behalf of the people of California, and especially the survivors of last year's [38:18] devastating fires in Los Angeles County. [38:21] And I want to acknowledge that some of them are here in the audience today advocating for [38:28] relief, and I'm proud to work alongside them. [38:31] As many of you recall, 18 months ago, 60,000 acres across Southern California burned. [38:36] That's roughly three and a half times the size of Manhattan. [38:43] Over 16,000 homes, businesses, schools, and other structures were destroyed. [38:49] And most devastatingly, 31 Californians lost their lives. [38:54] To respond, more than 7,500 firefighters worked literally around the clock for more than three [39:00] weeks to extinguish the fires. [39:03] And those firefighters weren't just from California. [39:06] They came from our neighboring states of Oregon, Washington, Arizona, some as far away as Utah, [39:11] Texas, and Montana. [39:13] Colleagues, because as Americans, that's what we do. [39:19] We help each other. [39:21] We don't condition our response based on who a community voted for in the last election. [39:28] When Americans need help, we help. [39:32] Now walking around the Palisades and the Altadena communities during the fires and after the fires, [39:37] you couldn't help but be moved by the scale of the devastation. [39:43] The images of nothing standing but a chimney amongst a pile of ash. [39:49] Cars literally melted into the streets or the drivers where they had been parked. [39:53] In the wake of disasters like this, Congress has historically come together on a bipartisan [40:00] basis to provide aid and long-term recovery funding to help communities recover and rebuild, [40:07] regardless of whether the disaster was in a state represented by Republicans or Democrats. [40:13] But instead of following that historical practice, this administration has left California waiting [40:18] for more than a year and a half, while asking Congress to fund hundreds of billion dollars [40:23] for other purposes. [40:27] I want to be crystal clear, no disaster-impacted community, regardless of where it is located, [40:33] should ever be held hostage or treated as a bargaining chip for other political priorities. [40:40] Californians in Altadena and the Palisades have now waited more than 18 months, yet long-term [40:46] recovery funding is still absent from even the administration's request. [40:52] Instead it asks taxpayers to spend hundreds of billions of dollars more on a war that Congress [40:57] has never authorized, a war that's raising gas prices, worsening supply chains, making our [41:03] country less safe, and for which 17 service members have already paid the ultimate sacrifice, [41:13] with many more seriously injured. [41:15] Now we know this committee can't address disaster relief without tying it to a laundry list of [41:20] unrelated priorities, because it's done so many times before, including as recently as [41:25] December 2024, when the committee on a bipartisan basis passed more than $100 billion of relief. [41:34] There's no reason we can't do it again. [41:35] Congress, we must, excuse me, colleagues, we must reject the premise that it is okay to keep [41:42] survivors waiting for help because the president, any president, decides they need something else from [41:48] Congress to get it. [41:49] To that end, I do want to thank my colleagues, Senators Tillis, Schiff, and Curtis, for joining [41:56] me in sending a bipartisan letter to the committee just yesterday, supporting long-term disaster [42:02] recovery funding. [42:03] Madam Chair, I'd like to enter this letter into the record at this time. [42:07] Thank you. [42:11] Thank you, Senator Padilla. [42:12] I'm sorry. [42:13] I just want to enter the letter to the record. [42:16] Without objection. [42:17] Thank you. [42:18] It will be. [42:19] And I'll be wrapping up soon here. [42:21] I also want to reiterate what I said earlier, that we know the next disaster is coming. [42:25] Anyone who stepped outside of Washington this last weekend, or across at least a dozen states, [42:32] saw and breathed the very impact of wildfires. [42:36] And it may be Canada now, but it's going to be one of our states next. [42:40] As of last week, the federal government has already spent over $3.3 billion in wildfire [42:46] suppression this fiscal year. [42:49] Even though the peak of fire season is August and September, that's still ahead of us. [42:54] That should concern the committee. [42:55] We cannot allow wildfire suppression funding to run out before the end of the fiscal year. [43:00] So in addition to the long-term disaster recovery funding, I urge the committee to examine the [43:05] need for emergency suppression funds as well. [43:08] And I would note that the fire fix, which has provided a steady resource for fighting wildfires, [43:14] will expire in fiscal year 2027. [43:17] Congress needs to extend and increase that funding to ensure firefighters have all the resources they need [43:22] to respond to the ever-growing threat of wildfires. [43:26] I'll close by reiterating what I said at the outset. [43:31] Disasters do not distinguish between red states and blue states. [43:36] And when it comes to disaster aid, neither should Congress. [43:39] So thank you again for holding this hearing and allowing me to be a voice for my constituents [43:44] and for disaster survivors across the country. [43:48] I look forward to working with this committee to ensure that everyone has the resources, [43:53] the support that they need to recover and rebuild, regardless of which state they call home. [43:58] Thank you very much. [43:59] I appreciate the testimony of the entire panel. [44:04] As we consider the supplemental submitted by the administration, your testimony is very helpful to us. [44:13] Thank you. [44:15] I will now ask that our second panel of witnesses come forward. [44:20] Well, leave it to our military witness to be on time. [45:30] While we are waiting for our second panel to be seated, let me introduce them. [45:38] We are joined today by the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kane. [45:53] These administration officials represent the largest components of the administration's request, and we welcome them to the committee today. [46:03] Secretary Hegseth, we will begin with your testimony. [46:08] Please proceed. [46:09] Well, Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, thank you for the opportunity to testify on President Trump's supplemental funding request for the Department of War. [46:22] As you know, we live in a dangerous world that requires bold and swift action. [46:29] Hence, this supplemental request for fiscal year 2026. [46:33] This request is an urgent, necessary injection of resources to address the immediate needs of our department. [46:40] The supplemental funding request is not a substitute. [46:57] The witness will suspend until order is restored in the committee room. [47:04] I know that individuals feel very passionately, but we must have order in the hearing room so that we can proceed. [47:14] We're now going to move forward with our hearing, and Secretary Hegseth, please proceed. [47:21] Thank you. [47:22] The supplemental funding request is not a substitute for the President's full $1.5 trillion base budget request. [47:29] $1.5 trillion. [47:31] Mr. Secretary, please suspend until the order is restored in the hearing room. [47:45] We will begin the timing clock since you've been interrupted twice. [47:51] Please proceed. [47:59] 1.5 trillion is what the President seeks and what we need to defend the country. [48:05] The members of this committee understand better than most that long-term strategic dominance cannot be funded through one-off supplementals. [48:14] We will have order in the hearing room. [48:26] Mr. Secretary, please proceed. [48:34] Collectively, the budget proposals submitted under President Trump follow a simple logic. [48:40] I would ask that the Capitol Police, whose professionalism I admire, remove those who are seeking to disrupt the hearing. [48:57] Please proceed. [49:02] President Trump's following a simple logic. [49:04] The military requires a generational investment to deliver on peace through strength. [49:10] We know the best way to create peace is to prepare for war, to deter it. [49:15] And that's exactly what the Department of War is doing, building a force so capable that it would be absurd for anyone to challenge it. [49:22] As the direct result of neglected priorities and gross negligence that ignored threats left over from the previous administration, [49:31] President Trump inherited a set of global and domestic crises, deferred maintenance almost across the board. [49:38] Instead of steering the ship through gathering storms, former leaders led our military languish through social experiments and globalist appeasement, sheer weakness. [49:49] Under President Trump, we have built a different type of department. [49:54] The Pentagon is no longer run by bureaucrats. [49:56] Instead, it's led by combat-tested veterans and world-class business leaders who are running the department like a business, [50:04] and tech titans who are bringing lethal innovation to the battlefield. [50:09] We're also at a different moment, and we cannot afford inaction. [50:13] If we don't make critical investments right now in tech, in compute, in AI, in autonomy, in space, [50:22] our adversaries who are already making these types of investments could outpace us. [50:27] Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls that threaten our ability to also simply pay our service members, [50:35] rapidly replenish equipment and munitions, and sustain vital operations without disruption. [50:41] This supplemental request serves two purposes. [50:45] Sustain our military readiness to meet this year's new demands, [50:49] and accelerate critical capabilities to replace and augment those we have used in contingencies. [50:55] But make no mistake, this is not a one-for-one replacement. [50:58] We are upgrading and we are modernizing across the force. [51:03] On the readiness front, we requested $21 billion. [51:07] This will fund military pay, replace much of the equipment utilized during recent operations, [51:12] sustain forward-deployed forces, and grow personnel and strength while stabilizing mission-critical-fueled shortfalls [51:19] and supporting the National Guard. [51:21] On the capabilities side, we requested $46 billion. [51:27] These funds will expand production lines and accelerate delivery of high-demand munitions. [51:32] We're talking about solid rocket motors, JDAMs, hypersonics, and counter-drone capabilities. [51:39] Additionally, we will use this investment to secure digital and space dominance, [51:44] including resilient satellite networks. [51:46] Department leadership recognizes that appropriating those funds is just the first step. [51:52] Once funds are appropriated, or portioned, excuse me, to the department, [51:57] we need to promptly execute on them, and that's why we're requesting targeted legislative authorities, [52:02] like Transfer Authority, to prioritize our greatest needs and opportunities, [52:06] multi-year procurement for weapons systems, revolutionizing the speed and scale of munitions procurement, [52:12] and New Start authorities. [52:15] Rest assured that every dollar appropriated to the Department of War will be focused on building the lethality of our joint force, [52:23] and reinforcing peace through strength. [52:27] As I have said before, not fully funding this department, the Department of War, [52:34] and we know what that means, that that means $1.5 trillion, given the world that we live in [52:39] and the disaster of what the Biden administration budgets gave us, [52:42] not funding this department at $1.5 trillion, I believe, is the greatest threat that our nation faces. [52:48] Either we invest in our warriors at this moment of step change on the battlefield and growing threats, [52:55] or this is all just talk. [52:57] I look forward to working with this committee to secure those funds so that our warfighters [53:02] can continue to do their work every day to keep our great republic safe. [53:06] Thank you very much. [53:07] Thank you, Mr. Secretary. [53:11] General King. [53:12] Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, distinguished members of this committee, [53:18] I'm honored today to appear before you with Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Rollins [53:23] to testify on the Department of War's fiscal 2026 supplemental funding request. [53:29] And I'll note I fondly remember my time at USDA earlier in my career where I had the chance to serve there. [53:35] I'm also joined today by my senior enlisted advisor, SEAC Dave Isom. [53:40] As always, I'm deeply grateful for this committee's continued partnership and support for our common defense. [53:47] I'd like to begin by expressing my deep condolences and that of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the SEAC for the fallen from this past weekend and their families. [54:00] Today, we remember First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan, Sergeant Michael Swinton, and Private Isabel Gonzalez, and note that the names of our last fallen will be released when we can. [54:12] I'm humbled daily by the profound commitment of the incredible 2.8 million Americans, just like these names that I've just mentioned, who make up our joint force and serve our nation every day. [54:26] Also, on behalf of the Joint Force and the Joint Chiefs, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Senator Graham for their loss and all of you for the loss of your colleague. [54:41] The Joint Force remains grateful for his 44 years of service, both in and out of uniform. [54:48] There is no doubt he made a difference to the safety and security of our nation. [54:53] On July 22, 1940, General George C. Marshall said, and I quote, [55:01] For almost 20 years, we had all of the time and almost none of the money. [55:06] Today, we have all of the money and no time. [55:09] His words resonate powerfully with me today as we find ourselves in a somewhat similar situation. [55:16] I've come to you today to request the necessary funds while in the window of opportunity, while time is still on our side. [55:26] The United States of America faces a global list of military challenges in the Middle East, in Europe, in the Pacific, both nuclear and non-nuclear challenges, [55:38] and the continued threat of terrorism. [55:41] We find ourselves living and leading in complex and dynamic times. [55:48] Our adversaries are aligning in their interests, creating simultaneous challenges across multiple domains. [55:55] They are sharing intelligence, combat capabilities, and technology, technology that is accelerating the speed of war. [56:04] It is an imperative that Americans understand that the character of war is changing. [56:12] Advances in technology are fundamentally and irreversibly changing the way we fight, which necessitates capital to properly arm America's military. [56:24] Rapid advancements in AI, autonomous systems, deliver critical technological advantages to our national defense, [56:33] and simultaneously introduce unprecedented strategic vulnerabilities and uncertainty across the world, to include right here at home. [56:44] The low barrier to entry created by affordable, ubiquitous, unmanned systems means our adversaries, rogue actors, state and non-state actors, [56:54] and violent extremists have access to disruptive and potentially lethal technologies at scale. [57:01] We've seen this in Ukraine, and we must adopt elements of this fight for our future fights. [57:07] Conflict is never confined neatly to the land, sea, or air domains. [57:14] The modern battlefield stretches from the seabed up to cislunar space and beyond, cyberspace, and in the information domain, all at the same time. [57:25] Our nation must be prepared to fight and win across all of them, all the time, all at once. [57:33] In addition, the light speed at which information travels now has compressed our leaders' decision space, [57:40] taking what was once days or weeks in World War II down to milliseconds. [57:45] Your joint force must be ready because the United States military is America's greatest insurance policy. [57:53] And I acknowledge all of us find it difficult at times to pay for insurance before we need it. [58:00] But we must have insurance before the storm comes. [58:03] The armed forces of the United States of America serves as our nation's ultimate safeguard and our insurance policy [58:11] to preserve, protect, and defend our national interests, security, and prosperity. [58:17] To uphold this responsibility, we require predictable and consistent funding. [58:23] This will allow us to partner effectively with our defense and national industrial bases, [58:28] building on acquisition reforms that guarantee our warfighters receive capabilities at scale [58:34] before they are required in conflict or combat. [58:37] I'm struck by this season of American history we find ourselves in. [58:42] And I continue to ask myself, if not now, then when? [58:46] And if not us in this room and the rest of the Congress and the nation, then who? [58:51] I acknowledge the environment we all serve in. [58:54] But always remember that we are all Americans with deep and abiding love of our nation [59:00] and our military service members and their families. [59:03] I've come today to ask for your help and your support. [59:06] America's armed forces need $1.5 trillion to meet the military challenges of the future. [59:12] This supplemental is a part of that. [59:14] And to be allowed to use this capital to pay for military personnel operations and maintenance expenses [59:21] and accelerate investments on critical technologies, as the Secretary just mentioned. [59:26] It is critical that we stay ahead of our adversaries and we must have the funds before we're out of time. [59:31] In closing, I ask all of us to remember our deployed service members around the world right now, [59:37] especially our Army teammates who remain deployed after losing their friends and teammates this past weekend. [59:44] And I again ask all of us here in the Senate and across the American people to never forget our fallen and their families who continue to show us what courage, tenacity, grit and commitment to the nation looks like. [1:00:00] Thank you very much. And I look forward to your questions. [1:00:02] Thank you, General Secretary Rollins. [1:00:07] Thank you so much, Chairwoman Collins, Ranking Member Murray and distinguished members of the committee. [1:00:14] Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. [1:00:17] Let me begin with the bottom line up front. [1:00:20] The United States Department of Agriculture is joining today the United States Department of War in a fight for America and for American flourishing. [1:00:31] After all, defending America's ability to feed and fuel and clothe herself is defending America full stop. [1:00:40] This can be easily forgotten. [1:00:42] For centuries, we built farms and ranches and transportation that fed not only America, but the world, too. [1:00:50] For a long time, that prosperity made America strong and made America safe. [1:00:56] But across the past 100 years, and especially across the last administration, [1:01:01] we took that source of strength and war and peace, our farms and our ranches and the communities that surrounded them, [1:01:08] and we hollowed them out. [1:01:11] We made them weak, and we put them on the precipice of decline and extinction. [1:01:17] We sent our food production overseas. [1:01:20] In fact, 2023 was for the first time a significant net importer of our food for America. [1:01:27] And in so doing, we replaced American production with massive amounts of imports. [1:01:33] We allowed and even encouraged the consolidation of agriculture, seed production, processing, fertilizer, and beyond into massive industries at scale. [1:01:48] Today, nearly 85% of our meat packing capacity is controlled by just four companies, including two that are foreign owned. [1:01:56] Additionally, our largest pork company in America is owned by a China company or China. [1:02:05] Four fertilizer companies now represent 78% of the production versus just a couple of decades ago. [1:02:14] That was in the dozens. [1:02:15] And two seed companies now produce more than 50% of the seed for America. [1:02:21] These are national security implications. [1:02:24] When President Trump returned to office, America's farm economy faced one of the most difficult economic environments in decades. [1:02:32] Between 2020 and 2025, the cost of seed rose 19%. [1:02:37] Crop protection rose 30%. [1:02:39] Fertilizer rose over 50%. [1:02:42] Fuel and oils rose nearly 33%. [1:02:45] Electricity, 36%. [1:02:47] And repair and maintenance, 27%. [1:02:50] As these costs climbed, commodity prices plummeted. [1:02:54] Farm income fell by more than $90 billion from 2023 to 2024, representing one of the largest single-year declines in history. [1:03:04] At the same time, producers saw not one new trade deal across the world, resulting in an unprecedented $50 billion agricultural trade deficit. [1:03:16] American farmers deserve better, and our national security now demands it. [1:03:22] As long as we are beholden to foreign and even hostile countries for our food and our fuel, our freedom is in jeopardy. [1:03:31] Since my first day at USDA, we have been committed to addressing this crisis head-on. [1:03:36] In addition to implementing the historic working families tax cuts, thanks to so many in this room who worked so hard, [1:03:43] moving $40 billion in disaster and economic assistance to producers across the country, [1:03:48] securing 19 new trade deals, and decreasing that $50 billion agricultural trade deficit in one year by 42%. [1:03:58] This year, our corn exports are expected to be at a record-breaking 35%, ethanol up 11%, dairy up 15%, and tree nuts up 11%. [1:04:09] We are making progress, but we have a ways to go. [1:04:13] Administrator Zeldin has secured the strongest renewable fuel standard volumes in history, [1:04:18] and the president continues to support year-round E15 for our domestic markets. [1:04:24] We have led robust responses to animal health threats, including HPAI and the New World Screwworm, [1:04:31] and have reduced unnecessary regulatory burdens and partnered with producers to strengthen the domestic demand for American agriculture. [1:04:39] These are lasting reforms and will change the trajectory of American agriculture for the future. [1:04:45] The trade agreements will take time to fully execute and generate even more exports. [1:04:51] The biofuel investments take time to increase the demand for American crops, [1:04:56] although we're already seeing a 10% increase since just an announcement a month ago. [1:05:00] And, of course, on-shoring facilities like fertilizer will continue to take some time to build out. [1:05:06] But we are confident that the direction of American agriculture is changing for the better, [1:05:12] but many producers continue to face economic pressure as we build that economic infrastructure out. [1:05:19] Specialty crop growers across the Northeast, the Mid-Atlanta, the Pacific Northwest, and Florida [1:05:25] suffered devastating freeze losses this past winter. [1:05:28] Producers across the plains continue recovering from catastrophic wildfire and events occurring while many operations are still working to catch up financially. [1:05:39] That is why our proposed proposal includes $10 billion in temporary economic assistance for 2026 row crop and specialty crop producers, [1:05:49] and also includes $1.1 billion to help producers recover from catastrophic freeze losses suffered this past winter. [1:05:57] Congress has taken similar action over many decades, and we're so grateful for that, [1:06:02] but including most recently, 2023 and 2024, with economic aid and disaster relief aid with the hurricane seasons. [1:06:10] I want to be 100% clear as I close, for the sake of American national security, American existence, and the American future, [1:06:19] we must, in the long run, end this system that has grown up like a weed [1:06:23] and strangled the American farmland in food production. [1:06:27] Farmers want to farm for their products, not for a government check. [1:06:31] They want to be free from dependency and free to innovate. [1:06:35] We know what happens when they are able to do that. [1:06:38] They build and feed the greatest republic in the history of man. [1:06:41] But when they aren't, well, we know the danger that we are in today. [1:06:45] But that's why this supplemental is so important. [1:06:48] It provides a bridge and extends a hand to Americans who need it. [1:06:52] It buys the nation the security that we need, [1:06:55] and it buys us time to deconstruct and then reconstruct a new system, [1:07:00] putting our farmers and ranchers first, [1:07:03] and to restore the system that originally made America great. [1:07:07] For our farmers, the defense of American freedom continues. [1:07:11] They only ask to be free to fight. [1:07:14] Thank you so much. [1:07:16] Thank you for your testimony. [1:07:18] We will now begin with questions for our witnesses. [1:07:22] As you can see, we have a very full attendance of committee members today. [1:07:29] So I would ask that all of our colleagues to please keep track of the clock [1:07:34] and stay within the allotted five-minute question time. [1:07:39] With that, let me begin. [1:07:41] Secretary Hickseth, General Kane. [1:07:45] Members on both sides of the aisle have questions about the authorization strategy, [1:07:50] objectives, and conduct of operations in the Middle East. [1:07:55] Regardless of our differing views, the fact remains that there are must-pay bills [1:08:02] and urgent requirements facing the department that affect the ability of our military to deter and defend against potential aggression worldwide. [1:08:16] Portions of the supplemental requests go toward paying these bills and are necessary to restore readiness, repair, or replace battle damage to aircraft, ships, or bases, and address urgent munitions challenges. [1:08:36] I understand and am told that some military services face near-term solvency challenges. [1:08:46] What will be the impact on our troops if additional funding is not provided? [1:08:55] Are there military exercises, for example, that are at risk of cancellation? [1:09:02] What message would we be sending to the world? [1:09:07] Secretary Hickseth, either you or Senator or General Kane. [1:09:12] Chairwoman, I very much appreciate that question because it's connected to the real-world realities of this budget cycle. [1:09:20] There is training right now and training in the future that would have to be curtailed if we do not get our budget needs met and met urgently. [1:09:29] And, yes, some of that has to do with the current budget cycle and how things come together. [1:09:35] But we are a department that for four years met funding shortfalls under the previous administration. [1:09:41] It was not a priority to fund the Department of Defense under Joe Biden. [1:09:44] It also took the munitions and a lot of the — there were five supplementals out of this committee that took munitions one for one and sent them to Ukraine [1:09:53] and had tried to replace them with the same bureaucratic process that was too slow and didn't replace them in real time. [1:09:59] And then there were threats that were ignored around the world. [1:10:02] So you're looking at a lot of negligence and a lot of deferred maintenance that this department is having to catch up on. [1:10:08] And so that's why I call this a generational investment. It truly is. [1:10:12] This is $1.5 trillion budget with this supplemental being part of it is how we catch up and get ahead and ensure in the process [1:10:20] we're putting soldiers and sailors and airmen first, Marines first, guardians, that their pay increases, [1:10:26] that the end strength increases that have gone up because recruiting is at historic levels are fully funded. [1:10:31] So rather than trying to play catch up and make sure we're not losing training, we should be ahead of that curve. [1:10:36] And that's where we think $1.5 trillion can get us. [1:10:39] Thank you. Senator Cain — Senator — I keep calling you Senator — General Cain, I'm going to ask you to respond for the record [1:10:48] because in my remaining time I do want to ask Secretary Rollins a question. [1:10:55] Secretary Rollins, as we heard from the previous panel, our country has many outstanding recovery needs from disasters [1:11:04] and other weather-related events over the past two years. [1:11:11] As this chart shows, and this is a chart from your department, many have unmet weather-related agricultural losses. [1:11:22] In Maine, many of our producers are struggling, admit a combination of market volatility and disaster conditions last year, [1:11:31] which included excessive rainfall in the spring, followed by a severe drought. [1:11:38] They need relief. Yet the administration's supplemental request does not include funding to address these recovery needs. [1:11:48] It does have $1.1 billion to help Florida agricultural producers rebound from a severe freeze this past winter, [1:11:59] but nothing for prior disasters in other states. [1:12:03] Can you explain USDA's thinking behind focusing your request just on the 2026 freeze rather than on the 2025 disaster declarations that you made? [1:12:24] Yes, Senator, thank you for that question. [1:12:26] Obviously, the discussions that went on over at OMB and with our teams continue, but what I will say is we are obviously 100% in support of any sort of disaster relief program for our farmers, [1:12:40] whether it's hurricane, tornado, drought, freeze, etc. [1:12:45] So look forward to working with you on that and specifically understanding the larger context here that there's a lot of farmers, a lot of producers who are really hurting, not just in Florida and not just from the freeze. [1:12:56] So it's important that we work together to solve for that. [1:12:59] Thank you. Senator Murray. [1:13:02] Thank you, Chair Collins. Secretary Higgseth, your department received $150 billion last year in the Republicans' big, beautiful bill. [1:13:14] It also received a record $839 billion for fiscal year 2026, more money than you asked for last year. [1:13:21] Combined, that is a trillion-dollar budget for the year, and as I already mentioned, your department has yet to spend half of the reconciliation funds. [1:13:30] Despite that, you are here today asking for tens of billions of dollars more for things that you've already asked for in your FY27 request or that have nothing to do with Iran. [1:13:41] This administration has tried to sell this as an emergency request, but it may be better understood as an attempt to skirt the normal appropriations process. [1:13:51] Here are just a few of the things requested in this Iran supplemental. [1:13:56] $800 million for the National Guard to patrol D.C. even longer. [1:14:00] Over $1 billion for the Army to patrol the southern border, which is DHS's job. [1:14:06] $900 million to support the administration's illegal boat strikes in the Caribbean. [1:14:11] Over $18 billion for munitions, which you've already requested in your FY27 budget request. [1:14:18] And $1.7 billion to pay for your decision to recruit more people than the services need, which was not contemplated by the FY26 funding bill Congress recently passed. [1:14:30] Now, you've already submitted a reprogramming request on this that our subcommittee is considering now, which really underscores the point I made in my opening remarks that the problem's not a lack of money, but poor planning. [1:14:42] So I'll be blunt. The truth is your request does not make a lot of sense. [1:14:48] So let me ask you a simple question. Why exactly are billions of dollars more for the National Guard and this administration's illegal strikes in the Caribbean urgently needed for the Iran war? [1:14:58] Well, Senator, I wouldn't, of course, agree with your characterization, but why this kind of spending is needed is because of the gross negligence and neglect of the Biden administration inside our department. [1:15:10] Ran it like a bureaucracy. Abandoned our strength posture around the world, so we're having to reestablish deterrence. [1:15:18] You mentioned the end strength numbers, and I will acknowledge that we are ahead of schedule on end strength in recruiting. [1:15:24] 8,000 in the Navy, 6,000 in the Army, 4,000 in the Air Force. [1:15:29] Because under President Trump, there's been record and historic over 30-year recruiting records inside our department since he won the election because the American people didn't want to sign up for what Joe Biden was providing our military. [1:15:40] Well, let me be blunt. [1:15:41] And they want to sign up for what President Trump is doing in his leadership. [1:15:44] And so those are good problems to have that we need to fund and a reflection of momentum, and this budget will allow us to continue the kind of momentum that gets us ahead. [1:15:52] My point is that a lot of this request does not feel like an emergency, and let me move on. [1:15:57] Secretary Hague said, like most Americans, I've had a lot of trouble following this administration's contradictory statements about the war. [1:16:05] On April 8th, you said, and I quote, their missile program is functionally destroyed, launchers, production facilities, and existing stockpiles depleted and decimated and almost completely ineffective. [1:16:17] Mr. Secretary, Iran has been firing at U.S. military bases in the region and ships for the last week. [1:16:25] How is it possible if their capabilities were, quote, functionally destroyed three months earlier, as she claimed, for them to be doing this now? [1:16:33] Well, Senator, Iran is at the weakest point militarily it has ever been in in the past decade, certainly maybe in 47 years, as they've gathered effectively a terror army. [1:16:44] And that terror army was built to try to create conventional capabilities to defend against a pursuit of nuclear weapons, which meant thousands of ballistics missiles, many of which we have destroyed, others of which they have put inside facilities and hidden in underground facilities. [1:16:58] That's what terror regimes would do. So I acknowledge they still have capabilities, no doubt. But the amount of damage that we've done to them over the course of these series of operations has put them in the worst place they've ever been. [1:17:10] Okay, well, let me move on. On May 5th, you claimed that Iran doesn't control the strait and you said that there was a, quote, powerful red, white and blue dome over the strait. If that was true, how did Iran shrink ship traffic in the strait to trickle again last week? [1:17:26] We pushed almost, I believe, between 400 and 500 million bearers of oil under the nose of Iran over the course of Project Freedom, which went underground, which I acknowledged after we did so covertly, because it was more effective to do so quietly than to do so publicly. [1:17:42] So we've been in control of moving traffic through there for quite some time. Will they retain the ability to recklessly shoot at commercial shipping? And that's what happened. We had a ceasefire and then they shot at commercial shipping. [1:17:52] Well, you also said at that same press conference, and I'm going to quote you. You urged Iran to, quote, let innocent ships pass freely. These international waters belong to all nations, not to Iran to tax toll or control. Last week, President Trump said the U.S. would charge a 20 percent toll to each ship to pass through the state. So based on your opposition to tolls, did you talk to the president out of that idea or did someone else? [1:18:20] President Trump's not charging tolls and they're shooting at ships right now. [1:18:28] But Trump said that he wanted to charge a 20 percent toll. [1:18:32] We have a blockade right now of all Iranian ships and Iranian ports and it's effective. [1:18:37] Senator Murkowski. [1:18:39] Senator Murkowski. [1:18:40] Senator Murkowski. [1:18:41] Thank you, Madam Chairman, and thank you for being here. [1:18:45] Challenging times, I think we all recognize that. [1:18:48] Secretary Hegseth, I want to ask just specific to Iran authorization. [1:18:54] The administration has made the case that the action in Iran falls under the president's Article 2 authorities. [1:19:04] And we can have a disagreement, reasonable people can disagree about the boundaries of the presidential war powers [1:19:10] and have for a long period of time. [1:19:13] But I look at the war powers resolution and it's not ambiguous. [1:19:17] It requires the president to terminate hostilities within 60 days absent congressional authorization. [1:19:23] So hostilities began February 28th, May 1st. [1:19:29] Congress was informed that hostilities had ended, but yet despite the fact that hostilities had ended, [1:19:38] we were still seeing sailors being fired upon still activity. [1:19:43] Then in June, MOU is signed to preserve the ceasefire while negotiations continue. [1:19:50] That MOU has now collapsed and we are seeing the resumed attacks in the streets of Hormuz. [1:19:57] On July 10, the administration sends Congress a new war powers notification, effectively restarting the 60-day clock again. [1:20:06] So I'm concerned about this sequence because you have a situation where the claim essentially allows the president to extinguish the war powers clock [1:20:17] just at the moment that it becomes legally inconvenient through declaration of temporary ceasefire. [1:20:24] Then it's reset, avoiding the congressional authorization that the Constitution requires and the war powers intends. [1:20:31] So we had an opportunity in previous probations hearing for me to ask if you felt the administration had all the authority that it needed. [1:20:41] You indicated at that time that no additional authority was not needed. [1:20:48] Are you still, is the administration still taking that position about needing no authorization from Congress at this time? [1:20:56] Senator, I know there's a long, long-standing legal debate on this particular topic, [1:21:03] but we certainly as a department take the, share the position of the White House that we have all the authorities necessary at this moment. [1:21:08] So, so let me just kind of do a follow-on. [1:21:11] In the Clinton administration, this is 1999, there was an operation that was launched, Operation Allied Force, NATO airstrikes against Yugoslavia. [1:21:22] There was not a prior congressional authorization that was sought. [1:21:27] President Clinton notified Congress under the War Powers Resolution and then sent, subsequent to that, [1:21:37] sent Congress an emergency supplemental funding request. [1:21:40] It was about $6 billion to cover the cost of Kosovo operations. [1:21:45] Congress then passed a supplemental package that covered the president's request plus additional military funding. [1:21:55] But Congress never passed a standalone authorization for use of military force in Kosovo. [1:22:01] When the War Powers Clock was set to run out then in May of 1999, [1:22:07] the Clinton Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion holding [1:22:14] that the supplemental appropriation itself, passed without any authorizing language, [1:22:20] satisfied the War Powers Resolution requirement. [1:22:23] So is the department looking to that or intending to rely on that same reasoning [1:22:30] that funding alone can substitute for explicit congressional authorization? [1:22:37] Senator, I would have to defer to our legal department, and we'll get back to you with our views on that. [1:22:42] But as of right now, we think standalone Article 2 authorities exist for us to conduct this operation [1:22:48] on behalf of the defense of the American people, that the president has those authorities. [1:22:51] And seeking this funding is important in pursuit of that and our $1.5 trillion budget. [1:22:56] But I wouldn't connect the two without consulting with our legal folks first. [1:23:01] In my remaining time, let me turn to you, Secretary Rawlins. [1:23:05] I appreciate that you have acknowledged that fishermen are farmers of the sea. [1:23:10] I don't know whether you are aware whether any fishermen will be eligible for any of the supplemental funding. [1:23:16] They, too, have faced many of the same challenges that our farmers have with high fuel costs, [1:23:22] the impact from tariffs, disasters that we have seen in the 15 seconds remaining. [1:23:29] Any help for our fishermen? [1:23:30] Well, I remember having the conversation with you when we were going through the process, [1:23:34] and my commitment to you and to Senator Collins and some of our others across the aisle [1:23:40] was that it's time for USDA to recognize our fishermen as part of our farmers of the sea. [1:23:45] That's never happened before. [1:23:46] We now have an office at USDA focused on fishermen. [1:23:50] And so I think as you all move forward with the supplemental conversation, [1:23:53] obviously up to you all what that looks like, [1:23:55] but very supportive of treating our fishermen similarly to the rest of our farmers. [1:24:00] Thank you. [1:24:01] Thank you, Madam Chair. [1:24:02] Thank you. [1:24:03] Senator Durbin. [1:24:05] Thanks, Madam Chair. [1:24:07] Mr. Secretary, I'd like to ask you to help me reconcile some numbers. [1:24:12] It's my understanding that this whole supplemental funding request is $87.6 billion, [1:24:18] and most of the funding, $67 billion, is for the Department of Defense. [1:24:23] Yet we are told the Department of Defense still has $75 billion in unobligated funding [1:24:29] from last year's reconciliation package. [1:24:32] Is that true? [1:24:34] Roughly correct numbers, yes. [1:24:36] So you left some change on the dresser before you prepared to come for this hearing. [1:24:42] What's going to happen to that $75 billion? [1:24:45] Well, that $75 billion, there's plans and designs on that, [1:24:48] part of the rebuild of our military, which had to be undertaken. [1:24:50] And so one big, beautiful bill gave us specific avenues. [1:24:54] But I'd have to get you the exact numbers of what that is left to be allocated. [1:24:57] Does it have to do with the war in Iran? [1:24:59] No, this is rebuilding our military from what was not funded in the past [1:25:02] under the Biden administration. [1:25:04] So this is from 2026, one big, beautiful bill, [1:25:07] which helped move the president's priorities like Golden Dome for America, [1:25:11] move away from all the woke priorities of what the Biden administration was pursuing, [1:25:15] give us a chance to start cutting these deals on munitions, [1:25:17] all the things that the president wanted us to focus on, [1:25:20] shipbuilding, hypersonics. [1:25:22] I mean, the Biden administration ignored hypersonics. [1:25:24] They just decided to pretend like that technology didn't exist [1:25:27] and we shouldn't invest in it. [1:25:28] There are things. [1:25:29] I don't know what Lloyd Austin did for four years. [1:25:32] I really don't. [1:25:33] The amount of neglect, [1:25:34] the amount of stale thinking and bureaucracy, [1:25:37] it was staggering when we took over. [1:25:39] So one big, beautiful bill gave us a chance to get caught back up. [1:25:41] I'm going to interrupt your speech for a minute, Mr. Secretary. [1:25:43] It's my turn to ask questions. [1:25:45] I've been listening patiently while you made your presentation. [1:25:49] You estimated at one point [1:25:50] that the cost of the war in Iran was $29 billion, [1:25:55] but then added a caveat [1:25:57] that there was a replacement of munitions, for example. [1:26:00] Do you have a new estimate [1:26:01] about what the war has cost us so far [1:26:03] in this, the fifth month of the first year [1:26:05] of this war in Iran? [1:26:06] Senator, the estimate we have as of today [1:26:09] is $37.5 billion. [1:26:12] And is the current activity [1:26:14] which we have been told about, [1:26:16] the exchange of fire back and forth in Iran, [1:26:19] an indication that that number [1:26:20] is going to go up in the months ahead? [1:26:23] Some of that number captures additional O&M, [1:26:26] mill pay, and other that would be anticipated [1:26:27] through the fiscal year. [1:26:28] So some of that anticipates [1:26:29] what cost would be going out in the future as well. [1:26:32] So the new number you've given me is what? [1:26:35] $37.5 billion, Senator. [1:26:37] And that represents the cost of the war [1:26:39] through what period of time? [1:26:41] Through now for certain aspects of it, [1:26:44] but also mill pay, O&M, [1:26:46] other anticipated costs [1:26:47] through September 30th, Senator. [1:26:49] General Cain, let me ask you a question. [1:26:52] I joined a group of senators somewhere here, [1:26:55] Senator Rounds, Senator Coons, Senator Shaheen, [1:26:59] and met with President Zelensky in Turkey [1:27:01] during the NATO summit. [1:27:04] He was very explicit [1:27:05] in terms of what he needed to win. [1:27:08] He feels the momentum in Ukraine [1:27:12] is moving to his side, [1:27:14] that he is putting a foot forward instead of back. [1:27:17] Is that your feeling? [1:27:20] Sir, I think the pressure [1:27:22] that Ukraine is putting on Russia [1:27:24] is substantive at this point. [1:27:27] Do you acknowledge his request [1:27:29] that we help them with air defenses [1:27:31] as a high priority? [1:27:33] Sir, I know he's made the request. [1:27:35] Whether or not that moves forward [1:27:36] is always a debate at our civilian leadership, [1:27:39] but I'm aware of that request. [1:27:41] Are you aware of the fact [1:27:42] that we appropriated [1:27:43] and the president signed into law [1:27:44] $400 billion of supplemental funding [1:27:47] for Ukraine, [1:27:48] including money for air defenses? [1:27:50] I am, sir. [1:27:52] Are you also aware [1:27:53] the administration has informed us [1:27:55] that that money will not be available [1:27:57] in many aspects [1:27:58] until the next president is in office? [1:28:00] Sir, I'm not aware of that. [1:28:02] My understanding... [1:28:03] That's a fact. [1:28:03] My understanding was [1:28:04] that that capital had been allocated, [1:28:07] but I'll have to defer [1:28:08] to my civilian leadership on that. [1:28:09] I'm sorry to tell you [1:28:10] the pay plan tells us [1:28:11] to be prepared [1:28:12] to spend that money [1:28:13] in fiscal year 29. [1:28:15] The new president, [1:28:16] whoever it may be, [1:28:17] will make that decision. [1:28:19] If you're talking about air defenses [1:28:21] and the momentum [1:28:22] on the side of Zelensky, [1:28:23] what impact will it have [1:28:25] if we cannot fund this for three years? [1:28:28] Sir, I want to highlight [1:28:30] that the incredible work [1:28:31] that the Ukraine industrial base [1:28:34] is doing [1:28:34] is they scale their own capabilities. [1:28:37] It ranges from their surface-to-air capabilities [1:28:40] to their air-to-air capabilities. [1:28:42] I'll note that recently [1:28:43] we had the first air-to-air kill [1:28:45] where a Ukrainian F-16 [1:28:46] shot down a Russian fighter. [1:28:48] So I think their ability [1:28:50] to scale their layered defense [1:28:51] has come along a long way [1:28:54] over the past couple years [1:28:56] with the help and assistance of many. [1:29:00] General, thank you [1:29:01] for your service to the country. [1:29:02] I'm sorry for our losses. [1:29:03] I believe 17 servicemen [1:29:05] have given their lives in Iran so far [1:29:07] and hundreds, hundreds have been injured. [1:29:10] We should acknowledge that fact. [1:29:12] And let me also say, [1:29:14] we're in a moment in history [1:29:15] where we can win the war in Ukraine. [1:29:17] That victory would be critically important [1:29:19] for those people [1:29:19] who have fought for more than four years [1:29:22] against the odds [1:29:22] and proven they can put Putin back on his heels. [1:29:25] But instead of finding the money [1:29:27] that they need now for air defenses, [1:29:29] we're putting more money [1:29:30] into this exchange with Iran, [1:29:32] a war of choice [1:29:33] which we never should have entered. [1:29:35] Thank you, General. [1:29:38] Senator Moran. [1:29:39] Chairman Collins, thank you very much. [1:29:41] Let me first begin [1:29:43] with just a statement to you, [1:29:45] Secretary Rollins. [1:29:46] Thank you for your leadership. [1:29:47] Thank you for your attention [1:29:48] to disaster assistance. [1:29:50] Hugely significant and important [1:29:52] in many states represented here [1:29:55] but across the country. [1:29:56] and it is as challenging circumstances [1:29:59] as I've seen farmers in in my time [1:30:02] and representing them [1:30:04] in the United States Congress. [1:30:07] And I appreciate my colleague, [1:30:09] Senator Rounds, [1:30:09] for making that case today. [1:30:11] I appreciate the efforts [1:30:12] by Senator Bozeman, [1:30:13] the chairman of the Ag Committee [1:30:14] and Senator Rounds [1:30:15] and his vice chairman, Shaheen, [1:30:18] for their efforts here [1:30:19] on this committee for that effort. [1:30:21] Secretary Hagstead, [1:30:22] let me ask you about your recent visit [1:30:25] to the 101st Airborne Division. [1:30:28] You saw the MV-75 Cheyenne. [1:30:31] You saw it firsthand [1:30:32] and heard from soldiers, [1:30:33] as I understand it, [1:30:34] about the next generation capabilities, [1:30:37] how they will transform [1:30:38] the way we fight. [1:30:40] The Cheyenne has broken through [1:30:43] and it appears to me [1:30:44] in the acquisition bureaucracy [1:30:45] to deliver a capability [1:30:48] for our war fighting [1:30:49] much faster [1:30:50] than it otherwise would have happened. [1:30:52] As you look across acquisition, [1:30:55] I mean, we're here talking [1:30:56] about appropriations, [1:30:57] but the ultimate success [1:30:59] we'll have in defending our country [1:31:00] is putting that money to work [1:31:02] as quickly as possible. [1:31:04] So as you look at acquisition, [1:31:07] what would you tell me [1:31:08] we learned from the Cheyenne? [1:31:10] Is it a model how the department can, [1:31:13] it intends to feel [1:31:14] the next generation of capacity [1:31:16] going forward? [1:31:18] What does the program need [1:31:19] from this committee [1:31:21] to meet both the schedule [1:31:23] and the necessity [1:31:23] of its capabilities? [1:31:27] Senator, I appreciate the question. [1:31:28] I think it's in part [1:31:29] one of the untold stories [1:31:30] of our department [1:31:31] is how we try to revolutionize [1:31:33] the speed and scale [1:31:35] of new acquisitions [1:31:36] and procurement. [1:31:37] Some of it through munitions [1:31:38] and ensuring that companies [1:31:39] pay for building [1:31:40] their own factories [1:31:40] and their own assembly lines [1:31:42] so that we're saving billions [1:31:43] and billions as taxpayers [1:31:45] while companies invest. [1:31:46] And when you invest in something [1:31:47] with your own money, [1:31:47] you want to see it succeed [1:31:49] ahead of schedule [1:31:50] and on time. [1:31:50] Also opening the aperture [1:31:52] so it's not just [1:31:52] the prime contractors [1:31:53] that are competing [1:31:54] but new entrants [1:31:55] who make high cost [1:31:57] and low cost capabilities. [1:31:59] I think in particular [1:32:00] on the Cheyenne [1:32:00] and the Black Hawk [1:32:02] and the replacement, [1:32:04] the gap that some have identified [1:32:06] could exist [1:32:07] based on the hesitation [1:32:08] on speed and replacement [1:32:10] exists because of [1:32:12] an austerity mindset [1:32:13] again that goes back [1:32:14] to the Biden administration [1:32:15] of divest to invest. [1:32:17] And so you end up divesting [1:32:19] in certain systems [1:32:20] like the Black Hawk [1:32:20] before the next one is online [1:32:22] creating gaps [1:32:23] for actual operators. [1:32:24] And what we're funding [1:32:25] in this supplemental [1:32:26] and across this budget [1:32:27] is the ability to do both. [1:32:29] Make sure the systems [1:32:30] we rely on on the battlefield [1:32:31] right now are delivered [1:32:32] and that newer entrants [1:32:34] that we're going to need [1:32:34] for long range fight [1:32:36] to deliver, [1:32:38] to be more survivable [1:32:40] in contested environments [1:32:41] which you're talking about [1:32:41] when I had a chance [1:32:42] to see it, [1:32:43] the soldiers were proud [1:32:44] to be in it [1:32:44] because they felt like [1:32:45] it would give them [1:32:46] greater advantage [1:32:46] in the future. [1:32:47] We need to accelerate [1:32:48] the timelines of those [1:32:49] and deliver them [1:32:50] even more quickly [1:32:51] and when you allow [1:32:52] new entrants [1:32:53] with all the right incentives [1:32:55] those things happen [1:32:56] and it's happening [1:32:57] in that program. [1:32:57] Will that take place [1:32:58] I think you may have [1:32:59] just said this [1:32:59] but will that will take place [1:33:00] in this circumstance [1:33:02] of the Cheyenne? [1:33:04] I believe in this [1:33:05] because of the policies [1:33:06] of this administration [1:33:07] it is likely to do so. [1:33:09] Just like the B-21, [1:33:10] just like the F-47, [1:33:12] just like so many other [1:33:13] of our exquisite munitions [1:33:14] that otherwise would have [1:33:16] taken years and years [1:33:17] to even get into development. [1:33:18] We're moving those things [1:33:19] left by, in some cases, [1:33:21] years so that we get them [1:33:22] in the hands of warfighters [1:33:23] who would need them right now [1:33:24] and not held up [1:33:25] in bureaucracy [1:33:26] in this town. [1:33:27] Thank you, sir. [1:33:28] Let me turn to you, [1:33:29] General Kane. [1:33:30] The department is requesting [1:33:31] significant supplemental [1:33:33] to address [1:33:33] the ongoing operational demands. [1:33:37] Our adversaries [1:33:38] are watching [1:33:39] how we resource this moment. [1:33:43] Beijing, Moscow, Tehran [1:33:44] are all increasingly [1:33:46] coordinating their activities [1:33:48] and intelligence. [1:33:51] In your judgment, [1:33:53] do you believe [1:33:54] our adversaries view [1:33:55] this moment [1:33:55] as an opportunity [1:33:57] to exploit U.S. commitments [1:33:58] elsewhere, [1:33:59] and how does this [1:34:00] supplemental ensure [1:34:02] our deterrence posture [1:34:03] and our commitments [1:34:04] to allies remain credible [1:34:05] in every theater [1:34:07] all at once? [1:34:08] Well, sir, [1:34:09] thanks for the question. [1:34:10] In my job, [1:34:11] it's to look across the globe [1:34:13] and look at the range [1:34:14] of trade-offs out there. [1:34:16] We are the strongest [1:34:17] military in the world. [1:34:19] Our adversaries still fear [1:34:21] America's ability [1:34:22] to project power [1:34:23] at the time [1:34:24] and place of our choosing. [1:34:26] There is no doubt [1:34:27] that they are aligning, [1:34:29] as I've said before, [1:34:30] and I think this supplemental [1:34:32] and whatever funding structure [1:34:34] that Congress, [1:34:35] working with the executive branch, [1:34:37] decides to structure [1:34:38] and give us the capital, [1:34:40] we'll use that capital [1:34:40] to ensure that we sustain that, sir. [1:34:42] You're assuring us [1:34:43] that this supplemental [1:34:44] and further efforts [1:34:45] will reduce the risk [1:34:47] to our nation [1:34:48] and its national securities issues. [1:34:51] Yes, sir. [1:34:51] I view this, [1:34:52] and I've spoken to some of you [1:34:53] on the phone leading up to this, [1:34:56] I view this as future investments [1:34:57] to buy down risk, [1:34:59] similar to what I said [1:35:00] Marshall thought through [1:35:01] in those heady days in 1940, [1:35:04] where the need [1:35:05] to invest capital early [1:35:06] to deliver scale [1:35:08] is an opportunity [1:35:11] that I hope we don't miss, [1:35:13] Senator. [1:35:13] General, thank you. [1:35:14] Thank you, Chairwoman. [1:35:16] Senator Reid. [1:35:18] Thank you, Madam Chairman. [1:35:19] Secretary Rollins, [1:35:20] I just want to reiterate [1:35:21] a point that [1:35:22] Senator Padilla made. [1:35:25] We have $10 billion [1:35:27] in this request [1:35:28] for Midwestern farmers [1:35:30] who are suffering [1:35:31] because of the [1:35:32] interruption of fuel [1:35:34] and fertilizers [1:35:35] because of the [1:35:36] President Trump's war, [1:35:38] unauthorized war. [1:35:39] yet, [1:35:42] many states, [1:35:43] blue states particularly, [1:35:45] have submitted requests. [1:35:46] Rhode Island has one. [1:35:47] February, [1:35:48] we had the worst snowstorm [1:35:50] in our recent history, [1:35:53] and we've been denied [1:35:54] by the President. [1:35:55] In fact, [1:35:55] if you look at the numbers, [1:35:56] 20% of blue states [1:35:59] seem to get approved [1:36:00] and about 80% [1:36:01] of red states. [1:36:03] I'm making a point, [1:36:05] not asking a question. [1:36:06] This is unfair. [1:36:07] Thank you. [1:36:08] Secretary Hexer, [1:36:10] on February 28th, [1:36:12] when you initiated [1:36:12] this war [1:36:13] without authorization [1:36:14] from Congress, [1:36:15] the Straits of Hormuz [1:36:16] was open [1:36:17] and providing [1:36:18] vital fuel supplies [1:36:20] for the whole world. [1:36:21] Now they're closed, [1:36:23] effectively, [1:36:23] impacting globally [1:36:25] the price of oil [1:36:26] and the economies [1:36:27] of the whole world. [1:36:29] But the Department [1:36:30] of Defense [1:36:31] has been planning [1:36:32] for potential operations [1:36:34] against Iran [1:36:35] for many, [1:36:36] many years [1:36:36] and one of their [1:36:38] obvious assumptions [1:36:39] was that [1:36:40] the Strait of Hormuz [1:36:41] could be closed. [1:36:44] Were you unaware [1:36:45] of that? [1:36:49] Senator, [1:36:49] you are correct. [1:36:51] Nobody plans more [1:36:52] and looks at more contingencies [1:36:53] than our department. [1:36:54] And so, [1:36:54] of course, [1:36:55] undertaking a historic effort [1:36:57] like this, [1:36:57] of this scope and scale, [1:36:58] of course, [1:36:58] the Strait of Hormuz [1:36:59] was front and center [1:37:00] in every single aspect [1:37:01] of that. [1:37:02] Hence why one of our [1:37:03] key objectives [1:37:03] to begin with [1:37:04] was to sink [1:37:05] the entirety [1:37:05] of Iran's navy, [1:37:07] which its conventional navy [1:37:08] was sunk. [1:37:09] Now, [1:37:09] you can't get rid [1:37:10] of every single fast boat [1:37:11] and every single machine gun [1:37:12] and a fast boat [1:37:13] or every single [1:37:14] coastal cruise missile. [1:37:15] So we acknowledge [1:37:16] that if the state [1:37:17] decided to become [1:37:18] a terror state [1:37:19] shooting at commercial shipping, [1:37:20] that would be [1:37:21] an ongoing [1:37:22] and contested part [1:37:23] of the battle [1:37:23] to include their willingness [1:37:25] to mine international water. [1:37:26] So one side [1:37:27] weaponized the Strait [1:37:29] and we've been fighting back [1:37:30] the entire time. [1:37:30] that the Strait of Hormuz [1:37:32] could be closed [1:37:32] and obviously [1:37:33] sinking their ships [1:37:34] has not affected [1:37:36] their ability [1:37:37] to effectively [1:37:38] close the Strait. [1:37:39] Did you... [1:37:40] We had U.S. boats [1:37:41] that surrendered [1:37:42] to Iranian ships [1:37:43] under the Biden administration. [1:37:44] So their navy [1:37:45] was effective [1:37:46] in expedited ways [1:37:47] in the past. [1:37:48] the war you started. [1:37:49] Not a situation [1:37:50] in which oil [1:37:52] was flowing freely. [1:37:53] There was no conflict. [1:37:55] We weren't losing [1:37:56] personnel [1:37:57] as a result [1:37:58] of Iranian actions. [1:37:59] So your fallback [1:38:02] to the Biden administration [1:38:03] is just a very, [1:38:04] very obvious [1:38:06] excuse [1:38:09] for what I think [1:38:10] is probably, [1:38:11] as you described [1:38:11] so often, [1:38:12] gross negligence. [1:38:13] You did not fully [1:38:14] inform the president [1:38:15] that you would be [1:38:16] in a situation [1:38:17] where the Strait of Hormuz [1:38:19] could be effectively closed, [1:38:21] oil prices could surge, [1:38:23] and effectively [1:38:24] the Iranians [1:38:26] could maintain [1:38:27] their ability [1:38:28] to strike back [1:38:29] as they are right now. [1:38:30] They just killed [1:38:31] some of my servicemen [1:38:32] last weekend. [1:38:34] This battlefield [1:38:35] and all the dynamics of it, [1:38:36] of which the chairman [1:38:37] and I are responsible [1:38:38] for ensuring [1:38:39] the president understands [1:38:40] every branch and sequel [1:38:41] of what could happen [1:38:41] and we did. [1:38:42] The fact that those [1:38:43] contingencies [1:38:44] all were part of [1:38:45] the possibility [1:38:46] and we understood that [1:38:47] is all the more reason [1:38:48] why President Trump [1:38:49] deserves the kind of praise [1:38:50] he should get [1:38:51] for undertaking this effort, [1:38:52] having the courage [1:38:53] to ensure [1:38:54] that crazy Islamists [1:38:55] can't have a nuclear weapon [1:38:57] to hold us at issue [1:38:58] and he's been willing [1:38:59] to stay committed to that [1:39:00] regardless of the challenges. [1:39:01] Excuse me. [1:39:02] So he should be praised. [1:39:03] He should be praised [1:39:05] for starting a war [1:39:06] without authority, [1:39:08] creating a situation [1:39:09] in which the world economy [1:39:10] is suffering tremendously. [1:39:12] We have to ask [1:39:13] extra money [1:39:14] for our farmers [1:39:15] and we have no outcome, [1:39:19] at least no realistic outcome [1:39:21] in sight yet. [1:39:22] Let me switch [1:39:22] to General Cain. [1:39:23] General Cain, [1:39:24] these airstrikes [1:39:25] have not yet deterred [1:39:27] and defeated [1:39:28] the Iranians. [1:39:29] Do you think [1:39:30] airstrikes alone [1:39:31] will do that? [1:39:34] Sir, I think academically [1:39:35] as you look across [1:39:36] the totality of history, [1:39:38] air power's got limits [1:39:39] and we always have [1:39:40] to be mindful of those. [1:39:42] I think where America's [1:39:43] area of exclusivity is [1:39:45] is when we bring [1:39:46] the totality of [1:39:47] the diplomatic, [1:39:49] informational, economic [1:39:51] and pair that [1:39:52] with the military [1:39:52] and there's a lot [1:39:53] of that work going on. [1:39:54] Well, the military, [1:39:55] the next step [1:39:56] would be escalation [1:39:57] by ground combat. [1:39:59] Do you anticipate [1:39:59] that escalation? [1:40:01] Sir, I think it'd be [1:40:02] unhelpful for me [1:40:03] to opine on hypotheticals. [1:40:05] What I can tell you [1:40:06] is we always develop [1:40:07] an unbelievable amount [1:40:09] of options [1:40:10] and the associated risks [1:40:11] and then my main job [1:40:13] is to always ensure [1:40:14] that leaders understand [1:40:16] those options [1:40:17] and the risks. [1:40:17] Now, if you employ [1:40:18] ground troops [1:40:19] to seize objectives, [1:40:21] which I would assume [1:40:22] would be the first stage, [1:40:24] are you prepared [1:40:25] for an extended guerrilla war [1:40:27] which would likely happen [1:40:28] in that area? [1:40:29] Sir, with all due respect, [1:40:30] I think it'd be unhelpful [1:40:31] for me to opine [1:40:33] on hypothetical situations [1:40:35] on whatever decisions [1:40:36] the president may [1:40:37] or may not take [1:40:38] in the future. [1:40:39] Have you advised [1:40:40] the president [1:40:41] that a ground combat [1:40:43] would be very expensive [1:40:44] in the lives [1:40:46] of armed soldiers, [1:40:47] sailors, marines, airmen [1:40:49] and also could probably [1:40:50] lead to an extended [1:40:51] unconventional war [1:40:55] in that area. [1:40:56] I don't see the Iranians [1:40:57] sort of throwing the hands [1:40:59] of saying, [1:41:00] you know, [1:41:00] welcome to Iran. [1:41:03] Senator, [1:41:04] I always advise [1:41:05] the president [1:41:06] on a range [1:41:07] of military options [1:41:08] and all of the risks [1:41:10] that are contained [1:41:11] within that, [1:41:12] but I have to keep [1:41:12] my military advice [1:41:14] to the president private, [1:41:15] sir. [1:41:16] Well, thank you. [1:41:18] Thank you, sir. [1:41:19] Senator Hoeven. [1:41:21] Thank you, Madam Chair. [1:41:22] Secretary Rollins, [1:41:23] I want to thank [1:41:24] President Trump [1:41:25] and I want to thank you [1:41:26] for including [1:41:26] Farm Bridge assistance [1:41:28] in this supplemental request. [1:41:29] I know I've worked [1:41:31] very hard to get it included. [1:41:32] I know you have worked [1:41:33] very hard to get it included [1:41:35] and I want to thank you [1:41:36] and your whole department [1:41:37] for your work on it [1:41:38] and for this vital support [1:41:40] of our farmers [1:41:41] and ranchers. [1:41:42] What I want to ask you about [1:41:43] though is actually [1:41:44] crop insurance. [1:41:45] The number one risk management tool [1:41:46] that our farmers have [1:41:48] is crop insurance. [1:41:50] And the buy-up option [1:41:52] is critically important. [1:41:54] It covers 67 million acres, [1:41:56] 67 million acres of farmland [1:41:59] in this country. [1:42:02] It was decommissioned [1:42:05] and we need to get it reinstated. [1:42:07] Again, you and I [1:42:08] both worked very hard on this. [1:42:10] Please update me [1:42:11] on where we are [1:42:11] in terms of getting [1:42:12] that buy-up option [1:42:13] for crop insurance reinstated. [1:42:16] We are 100% supportive of that [1:42:19] and are moving forward [1:42:20] to execute that buy-up option. [1:42:22] Thank you for your leadership [1:42:23] on that, Senator. [1:42:24] Thank you for your support. [1:42:26] Also, Assistant Secretary Fortis [1:42:28] for his support. [1:42:32] It's very impactful, [1:42:33] very important [1:42:34] and will make a big difference [1:42:35] for our farmers right now. [1:42:36] So thank you for that. [1:42:37] Secretary Hegg, Seth, [1:42:40] are Russia and China [1:42:44] helping Iran? [1:42:46] And if so, how? [1:42:50] Well, Senator, [1:42:50] as the chairman alluded to, [1:42:52] there's definitely [1:42:52] adversary alignment [1:42:54] and attempts to do so. [1:42:56] And there are many ways [1:42:58] that we deter that, [1:43:00] some of which are, [1:43:01] and the depth and extent of it [1:43:02] ought to remain classified [1:43:04] and it should, [1:43:05] but there are ways [1:43:06] in which both of those countries [1:43:07] are limiting, [1:43:09] at different levels, [1:43:11] enabling some of the things [1:43:12] Iran is doing. [1:43:13] Yes. [1:43:15] General Cain, [1:43:16] would you like to add? [1:43:19] Sir, I'd rather not opine [1:43:21] on the specifics [1:43:22] because that would divulge [1:43:24] what we know [1:43:25] and I never want [1:43:27] the adversary [1:43:27] to know what I know. [1:43:29] I just want to know it. [1:43:31] And hopefully we'll get a chance [1:43:32] to do that in the SCIF. [1:43:34] Yes, sir. [1:43:34] Happy to do that in the SCIF, sir. [1:43:36] This, so, [1:43:38] this relates both [1:43:39] to the funding [1:43:40] but also, again, [1:43:41] to how we achieve [1:43:42] our objectives [1:43:43] with Iran. [1:43:46] Starting with you, Secretary, [1:43:47] can we get to the point, [1:43:48] and we're seeing [1:43:49] continued, I think, [1:43:51] improvement and progress [1:43:52] on this, [1:43:54] but essentially [1:43:54] where we can, [1:43:55] and hopefully our allies, [1:43:56] they need to step in there [1:43:58] with us, [1:43:59] but where we get to the point [1:44:00] where we can operate [1:44:02] in the Strait of Hormuz [1:44:04] but keep Iran blockaded. [1:44:07] We're continuing [1:44:08] to get better at that, [1:44:09] but that's how we keep, [1:44:10] they'll never do anything [1:44:11] that they say [1:44:12] they're going to do. [1:44:12] They've proven that [1:44:13] over and over. [1:44:13] We have to keep [1:44:14] the pressure on, [1:44:15] but if we can do [1:44:15] that effectively, [1:44:16] we keep the pressure on [1:44:18] and achieve our objectives. [1:44:19] Tell us where we are [1:44:20] in getting that accomplished. [1:44:23] Senator, I think [1:44:23] that's a really good point. [1:44:25] That's effectively [1:44:25] what we did [1:44:26] to create the pressure [1:44:27] that led to the circumstances [1:44:29] of the MOU, [1:44:30] which was a, [1:44:31] we're running that, [1:44:32] running a route [1:44:32] where ships, [1:44:33] and we did it covertly [1:44:34] in cooperation [1:44:35] with Gulf countries [1:44:36] and others [1:44:36] who were willing [1:44:37] to take some of the risk [1:44:38] with our protection [1:44:39] and then maintain the blockade. [1:44:41] So effectively, [1:44:42] oil is coming in and out, [1:44:43] oil prices are coming down, [1:44:44] but our blockade is staying [1:44:45] and the pressure is mounting [1:44:46] on Iran. [1:44:46] That's something [1:44:47] we have done [1:44:48] and can continue to do. [1:44:49] We moved into an MOU [1:44:50] where Iran said [1:44:51] we won't shoot at shipping, [1:44:53] and then they turned, [1:44:54] the IRGC turned around [1:44:55] and decided to start shooting [1:44:56] at commercial shipping again, [1:44:57] at which point the president, [1:44:59] I mean, as he should, [1:45:00] cannot tolerate that, [1:45:01] and so we respond, [1:45:02] as he said 10 times, [1:45:04] you shoot at ships, [1:45:05] we're going to shoot [1:45:05] at you overwhelmingly, [1:45:06] which we have been doing now [1:45:07] for, I believe, [1:45:08] it's a 10th consecutive evening. [1:45:11] So consequences come [1:45:12] with the willingness [1:45:13] to shoot at commercial shipping. [1:45:14] Our blockade has been reimposed [1:45:16] and is effectively impenetrable. [1:45:19] We mount, [1:45:20] we got seized a ship [1:45:21] inside the Arabian Gulf as well. [1:45:24] So there's a lot [1:45:24] of different angles to it, [1:45:26] a lot of levers we can pull, [1:45:28] and ultimately, [1:45:29] a lot of the strikes [1:45:30] that Admiral Cooper [1:45:31] and CENTCOM [1:45:31] have been undertaking [1:45:32] are taking Iran's ability [1:45:35] to see and sense [1:45:35] away in the Strait of Hormuz, [1:45:37] which has tactical benefits for us. [1:45:39] And that's what this funding is about. [1:45:40] This funding is about [1:45:42] making sure that we [1:45:43] and our allies [1:45:44] can operate [1:45:44] in the Strait of Hormuz, [1:45:46] which helps bring down [1:45:47] energy prices [1:45:47] for every single American consumer, [1:45:49] and that we force Iran [1:45:50] to meet our objectives. [1:45:52] Isn't that what this package [1:45:53] is all about? [1:45:55] This is a peace [1:45:57] through strength package. [1:45:59] Right on. [1:45:59] That's what 1.5 trillion [1:46:01] has always been about, [1:46:02] a generational investment [1:46:03] at a, [1:46:03] as the chairman alluded to, [1:46:05] a step change moment. [1:46:06] We need to be able [1:46:07] to do it at speed, [1:46:08] at scale, [1:46:08] with autonomy, [1:46:09] with AI, [1:46:10] with exquisite high cost [1:46:12] and low cost [1:46:13] to be ahead [1:46:14] and stay ahead [1:46:15] so that you're not just [1:46:16] able to do [1:46:17] what we need to do [1:46:18] in the Strait of Hormuz, [1:46:19] but deter adversaries [1:46:20] like Russia and China [1:46:21] from getting involved [1:46:22] in future contingencies. [1:46:23] And just General Cain, [1:46:24] for any follow-up [1:46:25] that you would like [1:46:26] on that issue. [1:46:27] Sir, I wouldn't have [1:46:28] anything to add. [1:46:29] Okay. [1:46:29] Again, thank you, [1:46:30] and thank you to all [1:46:31] of our men and women [1:46:32] in uniform. [1:46:33] We appreciate them so much. [1:46:36] Senator Shaheen. [1:46:38] Thank you, Madam Chair. [1:46:40] Secretary Hegseth, [1:46:41] since you last testified [1:46:42] before this committee, [1:46:45] we finally received [1:46:46] the spend plan [1:46:47] for the $400 million [1:46:48] FY26 appropriation [1:46:50] for Ukraine security assistance. [1:46:52] This funding was passed [1:46:54] back in January, [1:46:55] and now there are only [1:46:57] three months left [1:46:58] in this fiscal year. [1:46:59] And while I appreciate [1:47:01] that we now see [1:47:02] what most of the funding [1:47:04] is intended for, [1:47:05] I just heard from the CEO [1:47:07] of one of the manufacturers [1:47:09] of the defense articles [1:47:11] that are contained [1:47:11] in the spend plan [1:47:13] that they not only [1:47:15] haven't received funding, [1:47:16] but they haven't even [1:47:17] seen a contract. [1:47:18] So when are we going [1:47:20] to see a contract [1:47:21] for those defense articles [1:47:22] that are contained [1:47:23] in the spend plan [1:47:24] for Iraq? [1:47:26] I'm sorry, [1:47:27] for Ukraine. [1:47:28] For Ukraine. [1:47:29] Senator, [1:47:30] I'll have to get back [1:47:31] to you on the specifics [1:47:31] of the timeline of that. [1:47:32] I'll talk to our policy shop [1:47:33] as well as the Ucom commander [1:47:35] to determine where that's at. [1:47:36] Well, you've told this committee [1:47:38] that you've barely spent [1:47:39] half of the $150 billion [1:47:41] in reconciliation funding, [1:47:43] and if you still have [1:47:44] $75 billion available, [1:47:46] why are you asking [1:47:47] the American people [1:47:48] to absorb the cost [1:47:49] of a war they don't support [1:47:51] instead of asking [1:47:52] for transfer authority [1:47:53] for unspent [1:47:54] reconciliation funding, [1:47:56] especially if you can't [1:47:57] even get $400 million [1:47:59] in Ukraine funding [1:48:00] out the door? [1:48:03] As I mentioned earlier, [1:48:04] Senator, [1:48:04] that money from [1:48:05] the one big, [1:48:05] beautiful bill [1:48:06] is otherwise allocated [1:48:07] to the rebuilding [1:48:08] of our military [1:48:08] with priorities [1:48:09] of the president [1:48:10] like Golden Dome for America [1:48:11] and hypersonics [1:48:12] and other munitions investments [1:48:13] that we made up front [1:48:15] as we tried to adjust [1:48:15] the Biden budget [1:48:16] into an America First budget. [1:48:18] And so reallocating [1:48:19] that away from those priorities [1:48:21] is Robin Peter to pay Paul. [1:48:22] Those are allocated [1:48:23] to rebuild. [1:48:24] But my point is, [1:48:25] if you can't spend it [1:48:27] on a timeline [1:48:27] that makes sense, [1:48:30] why do you need [1:48:32] to come back [1:48:32] and ask for more money? [1:48:34] Wouldn't it be better [1:48:34] to spend money [1:48:35] that you already have? [1:48:36] And one of the things [1:48:38] I noted was, [1:48:39] or at least I think [1:48:40] that this supplemental [1:48:41] doesn't include funding [1:48:42] to repair damage [1:48:43] to our bases [1:48:44] or to our military infrastructure [1:48:46] in the region. [1:48:47] And I have not heard [1:48:49] that we've gotten [1:48:50] the full extent [1:48:51] of any of those [1:48:53] damage estimates. [1:48:54] So should we expect [1:48:55] another request [1:48:56] to address [1:48:57] that military construction costs? [1:49:01] And at what point [1:49:02] do you stop asking [1:49:03] Americans to foot the bill [1:49:04] for a war they don't support [1:49:06] on top of an inflated budget request [1:49:10] and billions in reconciliation funds [1:49:12] that you still haven't spent? [1:49:14] Well, Senator, [1:49:15] I obviously don't agree [1:49:16] with your characterization [1:49:17] of that. [1:49:18] I appreciate that, [1:49:19] but you didn't ask me. [1:49:20] But I want you [1:49:20] to answer my question. [1:49:21] I know you don't agree [1:49:23] with my characterization. [1:49:23] I don't agree [1:49:24] with yours either. [1:49:26] Well, I... [1:49:26] One of the reasons [1:49:29] I take issue [1:49:30] with that characterization [1:49:31] is something [1:49:31] that Senator Durbin said [1:49:32] when he talked about Ukraine [1:49:33] and he talked about winning. [1:49:35] And I appreciate as much [1:49:36] as anybody winning a war, [1:49:38] but I sit in front [1:49:38] of a committee [1:49:39] that wants to talk [1:49:39] about winning a war [1:49:40] that's been going on [1:49:41] for four years [1:49:41] and talks about strategic defeat [1:49:43] of a conflict [1:49:44] that's been going on [1:49:44] for four months [1:49:45] to prevent Iran [1:49:46] from getting a nuclear bomb. [1:49:48] I want... [1:49:48] I would hope [1:49:49] for some perspective [1:49:50] in this town [1:49:50] of the historic nature [1:49:52] of what President Trump [1:49:53] is undertaking. [1:49:54] Do you want radical Islamists [1:49:55] to have a nuclear bomb [1:49:55] that can stare down the world? [1:49:56] I don't want to hear your speech [1:49:56] because I have limited time. [1:49:58] I don't understand. [1:49:59] So if you can't answer [1:50:00] my question, [1:50:01] then I will move on [1:50:02] to my next question. [1:50:03] Secretary Rollins, [1:50:06] the timber industry [1:50:07] has also been hard hit, [1:50:08] as you know, [1:50:09] by trade wars, [1:50:10] by drought, [1:50:11] by wildfires, [1:50:12] by other natural disasters [1:50:14] that are increasingly common. [1:50:16] In New Hampshire, [1:50:18] which is the second [1:50:19] most heavily forested state [1:50:20] in the nation, [1:50:22] one of the things [1:50:24] that we really need, [1:50:25] as you know, [1:50:25] because we've had [1:50:26] this conversation, [1:50:27] is a research program [1:50:29] and Forest Service staffing [1:50:31] on the ground [1:50:32] in a variety of ways, [1:50:33] but particularly [1:50:34] at Bartlett Experimental Forest. [1:50:37] These small investments [1:50:39] in research and staffing [1:50:40] and sound management [1:50:42] help make the forest economies [1:50:44] healthier and more competitive. [1:50:46] I very much appreciate [1:50:47] your having staff [1:50:48] visit Bartlett last week [1:50:50] with my staff [1:50:51] and with staff [1:50:52] from the governor's office, [1:50:54] but can you commit [1:50:55] to restoring staffing [1:50:58] at Bartlett [1:50:58] and to keeping the facilities [1:51:00] there open, [1:51:00] now that you've seen [1:51:02] the critical nature [1:51:04] of that research? [1:51:07] Why don't I follow up with you? [1:51:09] I have not gotten a report [1:51:10] from their visit, [1:51:11] so I would like to do that first, [1:51:12] but obviously you and I [1:51:13] have been in a continuing [1:51:14] conversation about that. [1:51:16] The good news, [1:51:17] there's no doubt [1:51:17] our timber industry [1:51:18] is in distress [1:51:19] and has been for a long time. [1:51:21] The fact that we import [1:51:22] 90% or something [1:51:23] from other countries [1:51:24] of our lumber needs [1:51:25] is crazy. [1:51:27] We're changing that, [1:51:28] but the good news, [1:51:29] we had more board feet [1:51:30] sold last year [1:51:31] than any time in 30 years. [1:51:33] This year, [1:51:33] we're going to exceed [1:51:34] that target again, [1:51:35] so we're making [1:51:36] the right moves on this, [1:51:37] but there's no doubt [1:51:38] that research is important [1:51:39] to that, [1:51:40] as we've discussed, [1:51:41] and I'll follow up [1:51:42] with our team [1:51:42] and then we'll reconnect. [1:51:45] Thank you. [1:51:45] I appreciate that. [1:51:46] As you pointed out, [1:51:47] research is critical [1:51:48] to ensuring [1:51:48] that the timber economy [1:51:50] continues to be successful. [1:51:51] Thank you, Madam Chair. [1:51:53] Senator Kennedy. [1:51:59] Thank you, Madam Chair. [1:52:01] Thank you all [1:52:01] for being here today. [1:52:03] General, [1:52:05] in the war [1:52:06] between Russia [1:52:09] and Ukraine, [1:52:10] who do we want to win? [1:52:14] Sir, I want Ukraine to win. [1:52:18] Is Russia America's friend? [1:52:20] I'm sorry, sir. [1:52:22] I couldn't quite hear your question. [1:52:23] Is Russia America's friend? [1:52:26] I think that depends [1:52:28] on your definition of friend. [1:52:30] I think it's a complicated relationship, [1:52:35] but no, [1:52:35] I don't think they're our friends. [1:52:38] Thank you. [1:52:43] If we could cut off [1:52:45] Russia's cash flow, [1:52:47] which depends substantially [1:52:53] on its sale of oil, [1:52:55] would that help Ukraine win? [1:52:57] Sir, I think militarily, [1:52:58] any time you can restrict [1:53:01] resources and cash flows [1:53:04] against an adversary. [1:53:05] General, I have so much respect [1:53:08] for you. [1:53:08] Yes, sir. [1:53:09] But I have so little time. [1:53:11] Yes, sir. [1:53:11] I'll try to be briefer. [1:53:12] Just give me succinct answers. [1:53:14] Yes, sir. [1:53:14] It would assist a... [1:53:17] It would help, wouldn't it? [1:53:17] Yes, sir. [1:53:18] Yes, sir. [1:53:19] Okay. [1:53:21] If we could stop people, [1:53:25] entities, [1:53:27] and countries [1:53:28] from buying [1:53:29] Russia's oil, [1:53:31] that would help cut off [1:53:32] its cash flow, [1:53:33] wouldn't it? [1:53:34] Yes, sir. [1:53:36] We have a bill [1:53:38] to do that, [1:53:39] as I'm sure you're aware. [1:53:43] We have the votes [1:53:44] today [1:53:45] to pass it [1:53:47] overwhelmingly. [1:53:49] I have also have [1:53:53] enormous respect [1:53:55] and admiration [1:53:56] for our majority leader, [1:53:59] Senator Thune. [1:54:01] But I hope everybody [1:54:02] on this panel [1:54:03] will today [1:54:06] contact Senator Thune [1:54:10] and ask him [1:54:11] to bring that bill [1:54:13] to the floor. [1:54:15] We should vote on it [1:54:17] at a minimum [1:54:18] of next week. [1:54:24] Some of my colleagues, [1:54:25] General, [1:54:27] want America [1:54:28] to just stop [1:54:29] in Iran. [1:54:30] in the blockade [1:54:33] bring all [1:54:35] of our warriors home. [1:54:39] What would be [1:54:40] the consequences [1:54:41] of that [1:54:42] in your estimation? [1:54:46] Sir, I think [1:54:47] termination criteria [1:54:48] is always [1:54:49] a political decision. [1:54:51] However, [1:54:51] I assess that [1:54:52] Iran will continue [1:54:54] to be a challenge [1:54:55] moving forward. [1:54:57] So we have to [1:54:58] be thoughtful about that. [1:54:59] Will they put tolls [1:55:00] on the strait? [1:55:01] I don't know, sir. [1:55:02] That's a decision [1:55:03] that's a hypothetical [1:55:04] and will depend on [1:55:05] what happens in the future. [1:55:06] It's not hypothetical. [1:55:07] We've got a blockade [1:55:08] to stop them. [1:55:09] We do, sir. [1:55:10] That's putting [1:55:11] economic pressure on you. [1:55:12] I'm not asking you for [1:55:13] I'm not trying [1:55:14] to get you in trouble. [1:55:16] I know your advice [1:55:17] to the president [1:55:18] is private. [1:55:22] But this is serious [1:55:23] as four heart attacks [1:55:25] and a stroke. [1:55:28] Now, [1:55:28] what happens [1:55:29] if we come home [1:55:32] and end the blockade [1:55:33] to the world? [1:55:35] Sir, [1:55:36] Iran has the potential [1:55:39] to continue [1:55:40] to be a threat [1:55:41] and we will need [1:55:43] to prepare military options [1:55:44] to do that. [1:55:45] will they toll the strait? [1:55:46] Sir, [1:55:46] that's a hypothetical question [1:55:48] and I don't know [1:55:49] the answer to that. [1:55:50] Oh, [1:55:50] it's not hypothetical. [1:55:51] You come home, [1:55:52] we come home, [1:55:53] it's not going [1:55:53] to be hypothetical. [1:55:55] You know that, [1:55:55] General, [1:55:56] and I do too. [1:55:58] And I appreciate [1:56:00] your discretion, [1:56:01] but we're down to it. [1:56:03] We need some hard answers [1:56:05] and some straight talk. [1:56:06] What will happen, Pete? [1:56:11] Senator, [1:56:12] I would agree [1:56:13] with the chairman, [1:56:13] but the likely outcome [1:56:14] is they would try [1:56:15] to impose their will [1:56:15] on the waterways [1:56:17] in ways that [1:56:17] the world would not like. [1:56:20] Call it a toll, [1:56:20] call it a fee, [1:56:21] call it an exchange, [1:56:22] call it control. [1:56:23] They would do something [1:56:24] that they would try [1:56:25] to hold to that issue. [1:56:26] Yes, sir. [1:56:26] Would they try [1:56:27] to commence development [1:56:32] again of a nuclear warhead? [1:56:36] Part of the reason [1:56:36] President Trump [1:56:37] had to have the courage [1:56:38] to do what he did [1:56:38] after Midnight Hammer [1:56:39] is that they didn't give up [1:56:40] their ambitions [1:56:40] even though [1:56:41] their nuclear sites [1:56:42] had been obliterated. [1:56:43] So this is a regime [1:56:44] hell-bent on nuclear ambitions [1:56:46] and President Trump's [1:56:47] willing to go after. [1:56:49] We need straight answers. [1:56:53] Do we have the ability [1:56:54] to destroy [1:56:56] whatever is underneath [1:56:58] Pickaxe Mountain? [1:57:03] Senator, [1:57:04] a lot of our capabilities [1:57:04] are classified, [1:57:05] but if anybody in the world [1:57:06] can reach anything [1:57:07] on God's green earth, [1:57:10] it's the United States military, [1:57:11] the most powerful military [1:57:11] in the world. [1:57:12] It's all about options [1:57:13] and trade-offs. [1:57:14] I'm going to take [1:57:15] a little extra time [1:57:16] because others got it, [1:57:17] Madam Chair. [1:57:17] I won't abuse it. [1:57:19] Secretary, [1:57:21] are shrimpers farmers? [1:57:24] Absolutely, yes. [1:57:25] They're farmers of the sea. [1:57:26] Are oyster harvesters farmers? [1:57:28] Yes. [1:57:29] In this USDA, yes. [1:57:30] Are they having to compete [1:57:31] with other countries [1:57:32] who grow oysters [1:57:33] and shrimp in a ditch [1:57:35] and shoot them [1:57:36] full of antibiotics? [1:57:39] 100% yes. [1:57:41] And if you eat too much [1:57:43] of that foreign shrimp [1:57:48] and oysters, [1:57:48] you'll grow an extra ear, [1:57:50] won't you? [1:57:51] I'm not sure about that, [1:57:53] but I know it is not good. [1:57:54] And I also know [1:57:54] we import 90% of our shrimp. [1:57:56] Why aren't we inspecting [1:57:56] the shrimp and the oysters [1:57:58] from abroad? [1:58:00] Well, it goes much larger [1:58:01] than that. [1:58:01] Why are we importing [1:58:02] so much from abroad, [1:58:03] which goes to the [1:58:04] president's trade agenda? [1:58:05] I'm in big trouble. [1:58:06] Yes, you are. [1:58:09] Guys, look, [1:58:10] we need straight answers now. [1:58:11] We're down to it. [1:58:17] Senator Merkley. [1:58:19] Thank you, Madam Chair [1:58:20] and Secretary Rollins. [1:58:21] I appreciate your partnership [1:58:22] on addressing [1:58:23] several issues in Oregon. [1:58:24] And I sent you information [1:58:26] about a couple others [1:58:27] and you responded. [1:58:28] I appreciate it. [1:58:28] We'll follow up [1:58:29] on the research service. [1:58:30] We'll follow up [1:58:31] on the concern [1:58:32] about in-kind contributions [1:58:35] serving as a match. [1:58:38] But I particularly need your help [1:58:41] on the fire funding. [1:58:44] And I know you've indicated [1:58:46] how important that is. [1:58:48] Where we stand now [1:58:49] is that the Senate [1:58:52] seems hamstrung [1:58:53] that they're seeking [1:58:55] to have OMB [1:58:56] give them a number on that. [1:58:58] Various sources say [1:58:59] the number is probably [1:59:00] about 5 billion. [1:59:01] I don't really care [1:59:03] if it's 4.5 or 5 or 5.5. [1:59:06] The point is that folks here, [1:59:08] senators, [1:59:09] are asking for a number [1:59:10] from OMB [1:59:11] in order to go forward. [1:59:12] And when we're looking [1:59:14] at the fires right now [1:59:15] in my home state, [1:59:16] it's the epicenter [1:59:17] of the highest risk [1:59:18] in the country. [1:59:19] So can we get your help [1:59:21] to get that number [1:59:22] and move this process? [1:59:23] Yes, absolutely. [1:59:24] It is a paramount importance, [1:59:26] especially in the middle [1:59:27] of fire season right now. [1:59:28] Thank you. [1:59:28] Thank you so much. [1:59:29] Thank you. [1:59:30] And Chairman Kane, [1:59:32] I think there was a sense [1:59:36] that the president expressed [1:59:38] at the start of the war [1:59:39] that the U.S. military power [1:59:42] was overwhelming [1:59:43] and would likely produce [1:59:45] unconditional surrender [1:59:46] quickly by Iran. [1:59:50] And that obviously hasn't happened. [1:59:53] Was it your opinion as well? [1:59:55] Did you feel like [1:59:56] our military force [1:59:58] could produce [1:59:59] an unconditional surrender [2:00:01] in quick order? [2:00:01] Sir, I won't. [2:00:04] With due respect, [2:00:06] I won't share [2:00:06] my private advice [2:00:07] to the president. [2:00:08] What I will assure you [2:00:09] and the American people [2:00:10] is I always speak truth [2:00:11] to power [2:00:12] and offer [2:00:13] an accurate assessment [2:00:15] of what my assessment is [2:00:17] of both our readiness, [2:00:18] the plans and activities [2:00:19] that might be undertaken, [2:00:21] the associated risks, [2:00:23] and the secondary [2:00:24] and tertiary considerations [2:00:26] that go with those [2:00:26] opinions or options. [2:00:28] Thank you. [2:00:29] So you feel like [2:00:30] the various risks, [2:00:31] that Iran could possibly [2:00:34] close the strait [2:00:35] despite the destruction [2:00:36] of their navy, [2:00:37] that the possibility [2:00:38] of assassinating [2:00:39] their political leaders [2:00:40] and their military leaders [2:00:41] could produce [2:00:42] a strengthened hardline [2:00:43] and weakened reformers, [2:00:46] that Iran would have [2:00:48] the ability [2:00:48] to sustain its ability [2:00:49] to attack sites [2:00:50] throughout the Middle East, [2:00:52] that the initial requirements [2:00:55] of the war [2:00:55] could surely deplete [2:00:56] our basically [2:00:59] high-end standoff munitions, [2:01:01] that this could affect [2:01:04] our relations [2:01:05] with our allies. [2:01:06] All those were factors [2:01:07] well considered [2:01:08] in this decision [2:01:09] to go to war? [2:01:10] Sir, as I said, [2:01:12] I won't opine on [2:01:13] or share my private advice [2:01:15] to the president. [2:01:15] Yeah, I'm not asking [2:01:16] about your advice, [2:01:16] the president. [2:01:16] I'm asking you, [2:01:17] did you understand [2:01:18] these issues [2:01:18] or have these become revelations [2:01:20] as the war has unfolded? [2:01:21] Sir, my job [2:01:22] is to understand [2:01:23] all of the considerations [2:01:25] that go into [2:01:26] the carefully considered [2:01:27] use of military power. [2:01:28] Let me ask you this then. [2:01:30] Yes, sir. [2:01:30] I understand [2:01:31] why you don't want [2:01:32] to respond, [2:01:32] but these are all [2:01:35] massive risks [2:01:36] that seem to be [2:01:37] poorly weighed [2:01:38] in the beginning [2:01:39] of this misadventure. [2:01:42] Currently, [2:01:43] there are reports [2:01:43] that we have hit [2:01:44] the Bonji desalination plant [2:01:47] that provides water [2:01:48] to about 20 villages [2:01:49] or about 10,000 people, [2:01:51] and we also damaged [2:01:51] the desalination plant [2:01:53] at Kesham Island. [2:01:54] Were these deliberate targets [2:01:56] by the United States? [2:01:58] Sir, I'm not aware [2:01:59] of those as being [2:02:00] particular targets, [2:02:01] nor am I aware [2:02:02] of those reports, [2:02:03] and I'll have to go back [2:02:04] and get back to you on that. [2:02:06] If you could, [2:02:06] I'd appreciate that. [2:02:07] You are aware [2:02:08] that infrastructure [2:02:09] that civilians rely on [2:02:10] to survive [2:02:11] is not generally considered [2:02:12] legitimate military targets? [2:02:14] Sir, as you know, [2:02:15] we have a robust process [2:02:16] which considers a target [2:02:18] that goes through a system [2:02:20] that looks at a variety [2:02:21] of considerations [2:02:22] to include what you're [2:02:23] alluding to around [2:02:24] both purely civilian [2:02:25] or dual-use targets. [2:02:27] I have trust [2:02:28] and confidence [2:02:28] in CENTCOM [2:02:29] that they're looking [2:02:31] at the range [2:02:31] of those things [2:02:32] on a daily basis. [2:02:33] It sounds like [2:02:33] you are assuring us [2:02:35] that we will, [2:02:35] the United States, [2:02:36] not target, [2:02:38] even in retaliatory sense, [2:02:40] infrastructure [2:02:42] that is generally [2:02:43] considered to be [2:02:45] primarily for civilian survival. [2:02:48] Sir, as I mentioned, [2:02:49] we have a robust process [2:02:51] and, you know, [2:02:53] we have the most [2:02:53] professional military force [2:02:55] in the world [2:02:55] that follows the law. [2:02:55] It'd just be nice [2:02:55] to have you say yes [2:02:56] because this is international law. [2:02:58] Yes, sir. [2:02:58] If you understand [2:02:59] the international law. [2:03:00] I do, sir. [2:03:01] I've got a lot of lawyers [2:03:02] that help me understand. [2:03:03] Thank you. [2:03:04] Yes, sir. [2:03:04] Will you get back to us [2:03:06] on that question [2:03:06] of whether we targeted [2:03:07] the desalination plants? [2:03:09] Of course. [2:03:09] If so, if so, why? [2:03:11] My time's up, [2:03:14] but I do want to express [2:03:17] encouragement [2:03:18] to look at [2:03:20] what the negotiators [2:03:21] have put forward [2:03:22] or advisors [2:03:23] as to whether [2:03:24] a 10-day break [2:03:27] could facilitate [2:03:28] returning to dialogue [2:03:29] that might find [2:03:30] a path forward. [2:03:32] Senator Hyde-Smith. [2:03:36] Thank you, Madam Chairman, [2:03:36] and I want to thank [2:03:37] all three of you [2:03:38] for being here today. [2:03:39] I am going to direct [2:03:41] my first question [2:03:42] to Secretary Rollins, [2:03:44] and again, [2:03:44] I want to commend you [2:03:46] publicly for the [2:03:47] outstanding job [2:03:48] you're doing at USDA. [2:03:50] You know, [2:03:51] this is my world. [2:03:52] As former Ag Commissioner, [2:03:54] I hear from a lot [2:03:55] of producers [2:03:56] in Mississippi, [2:03:57] and they are so pleased [2:03:59] with your performance, [2:04:00] and that is just [2:04:01] truly genuine right there. [2:04:03] But I'm pleased to see [2:04:05] the administration's [2:04:06] supplemental request. [2:04:07] As for Ag producers, [2:04:09] because before I comment [2:04:11] on that, [2:04:11] I just want the entire [2:04:12] committee and administration [2:04:13] to take note [2:04:15] of the tremendous [2:04:16] timber losses [2:04:17] as well in places [2:04:18] like Mississippi [2:04:19] due to winter storms [2:04:21] and the tornadoes [2:04:22] we've had there. [2:04:23] It is significant, [2:04:24] and I certainly look forward [2:04:26] to working with you [2:04:27] with the concerns [2:04:30] of the timber sector. [2:04:32] Regarding the supplemental, [2:04:33] you know, [2:04:34] our row crop producers, [2:04:35] as you've mentioned [2:04:36] in your opening remarks, [2:04:38] they are truly [2:04:40] in a serious situation. [2:04:43] I've talked to [2:04:44] multi-generation farmers [2:04:45] back home [2:04:46] who are the best [2:04:47] of the best [2:04:48] that did not even [2:04:49] plant this year [2:04:51] because they could not [2:04:52] make the numbers work. [2:04:54] And producers [2:04:55] in Mississippi [2:04:56] and nationwide, [2:04:57] you know, [2:04:57] we continue to face [2:04:59] these economic conditions. [2:05:00] They're not going away [2:05:01] anytime, [2:05:03] immediately, [2:05:03] or soon, [2:05:04] but we've seen [2:05:05] the commodity prices drop [2:05:07] and the input costs [2:05:09] just go through the roof. [2:05:11] If we want [2:05:12] the next generation [2:05:13] to stay on the land, [2:05:15] Congress, [2:05:16] we're going to have [2:05:17] to take this opportunity [2:05:18] to provide [2:05:20] this critical market [2:05:21] assistance [2:05:22] for our farmers [2:05:23] and enact policies [2:05:25] that build structural [2:05:27] demands for commodities [2:05:29] like the [2:05:29] Buy American Cotton Act [2:05:31] that year-round E15, [2:05:35] all of which [2:05:36] would make [2:05:36] the paths [2:05:37] better, [2:05:38] more favorable [2:05:39] for these producers [2:05:41] going forward. [2:05:42] But I appreciate [2:05:43] the administration's effort [2:05:45] to this date, [2:05:46] including the farmer [2:05:47] bridge assistance program [2:05:49] that was so valuable, [2:05:50] implementation [2:05:50] of the updated farm [2:05:52] safety net [2:05:53] with Working Families [2:05:54] Tax Cut Act, [2:05:55] and now [2:05:56] the supplemental request [2:05:57] be for Congress. [2:05:59] But will you speak [2:06:00] to why it's critical [2:06:01] for Congress [2:06:03] to act swiftly [2:06:04] to pass [2:06:05] this supplemental [2:06:06] and the need [2:06:06] for us to pass [2:06:07] legislation [2:06:08] that drives [2:06:09] the demand [2:06:10] for farmers' products? [2:06:12] Yes, [2:06:13] thank you, [2:06:13] Senator, [2:06:13] for your kind words. [2:06:14] A couple of really [2:06:15] important points. [2:06:16] Number one, [2:06:17] as we work to open [2:06:18] the markets around the world [2:06:19] and we're seeing, [2:06:20] as I mentioned [2:06:20] in my opening remarks, [2:06:22] just extraordinary numbers, [2:06:23] that $50 billion [2:06:24] agricultural deficit, [2:06:25] we inherited [2:06:26] a year and a half ago [2:06:27] is now down [2:06:28] into the $20-ish billion. [2:06:30] We expect it to go down [2:06:31] significantly this year. [2:06:33] Again, [2:06:34] the highest price [2:06:34] we've seen [2:06:35] in over a year [2:06:36] in corn is today [2:06:37] and soybeans is today, [2:06:38] et cetera. [2:06:39] Your point, Senator, [2:06:40] about opening up [2:06:41] the domestic markets [2:06:42] is really important, [2:06:43] whether that's E15, [2:06:44] renewable fuel standards. [2:06:46] Obviously, [2:06:46] the RVOs came out, [2:06:47] which is a reason [2:06:48] for the drive-up [2:06:48] in some of our row crop prices [2:06:50] in the last month, [2:06:51] which is really important. [2:06:52] But also, [2:06:53] as I mentioned, [2:06:54] bringing the cost [2:06:54] of inputs down. [2:06:56] We are expanding [2:06:56] fertilizer, [2:06:57] the largest ammonia plant [2:06:59] we're going to break ground [2:06:59] in Louisiana [2:07:00] in two weeks, [2:07:01] reshoring, [2:07:02] bringing back to America [2:07:03] real fertilizer production. [2:07:05] And then also, [2:07:06] the long term, [2:07:07] we've got to figure out [2:07:08] how we are doing [2:07:10] these supplementals [2:07:11] and these bridge payments, [2:07:12] which we have to do [2:07:13] for these farmers [2:07:14] to survive. [2:07:15] But what we're seeing [2:07:16] is just survival, [2:07:17] and we're seeing [2:07:18] a lot of the input companies, [2:07:19] equipment, [2:07:20] seed, [2:07:20] fertilizer, [2:07:21] make record profit. [2:07:22] So we've got to be able [2:07:24] to dig into that as well. [2:07:25] But as of today, [2:07:26] ensuring that we can keep [2:07:27] these farmers farming [2:07:29] while we're opening the markets, [2:07:30] while we're bringing down [2:07:31] the cost of inputs, [2:07:32] is paramount [2:07:33] for a secure America, [2:07:34] and that's why [2:07:35] this is so important today. [2:07:36] Thank you very, [2:07:38] very much for that. [2:07:39] And Secretary Hegseth, [2:07:40] thank you for being here [2:07:42] and the amazing job [2:07:43] that you're doing. [2:07:44] I have the utmost respect [2:07:45] for you, [2:07:46] your team, [2:07:47] and what you're accomplishing. [2:07:48] But I as well [2:07:50] am committed [2:07:50] to ensuring [2:07:51] that our war fighters [2:07:52] have all the tools [2:07:54] necessary [2:07:54] to accomplish [2:07:55] the mission in Iran [2:07:56] and whatever else [2:07:58] that they need [2:07:59] to defend [2:08:00] our nation's interest. [2:08:01] The supplemental request [2:08:03] is in line [2:08:03] with that goal, [2:08:04] and I'd like to shift [2:08:06] my conversation right now [2:08:07] quickly to shipbuilding, [2:08:09] which is extremely important [2:08:11] to the state of Mississippi [2:08:12] and our country's ability [2:08:14] to protect itself. [2:08:16] The President's FY 2027 budget [2:08:18] requests funding [2:08:20] for one DDG 51, [2:08:23] while Navy leaders [2:08:24] have said their goal remains [2:08:26] to build two destroyers a year. [2:08:28] And at the same time, [2:08:30] the Department [2:08:30] is exploring options [2:08:31] for using allied shipyards [2:08:33] and oversees fabrication [2:08:35] and future naval construction, [2:08:37] which raises questions [2:08:38] about the long-term role [2:08:39] of the American naval [2:08:40] industrial base [2:08:42] or shifting work [2:08:42] away from domestic shipbuilders. [2:08:45] Shipyards like Ingalls [2:08:47] in Mississippi, [2:08:48] which I would love [2:08:49] to invite you down to there, [2:08:50] it is amazing, [2:08:52] and the thousands [2:08:53] of suppliers [2:08:53] and small businesses [2:08:55] they support, [2:08:56] they need the confidence [2:08:57] that the work [2:08:58] will be there [2:08:58] so they can invest [2:08:59] in new facilities, [2:09:01] hire and train skilled workers, [2:09:02] and expand capacity [2:09:04] that we will need [2:09:05] in the future. [2:09:06] Will you help [2:09:07] or talk to us [2:09:08] about the Department's [2:09:09] short and long-term [2:09:10] shipbuilding plan [2:09:11] and how it gives industry [2:09:13] the confidence to invest? [2:09:15] You just made the case [2:09:17] for this generational investment. [2:09:18] Because of the underinvestment, [2:09:20] Senator, [2:09:20] in shipbuilding [2:09:21] in the previous administration, [2:09:23] just static, [2:09:24] flat, bureaucratic, slow, [2:09:27] we're having to revitalize [2:09:28] that industry. [2:09:29] And one DDG [2:09:29] is a reflection [2:09:30] of a backlog in capability. [2:09:32] So as we ramp on [2:09:33] more capacity, [2:09:34] those numbers of DDGs, [2:09:36] the workhorse of our Navy, [2:09:37] will go up [2:09:37] as we grow that force. [2:09:39] The senator's time [2:09:40] has expired. [2:09:41] Thank you. [2:09:42] Senator Coons. [2:09:43] Thank you, Chairman Collins, [2:09:44] ranking Member Murray. [2:09:46] Thank you, [2:09:47] Secretary Hegseth, [2:09:47] Secretary Rollins, [2:09:49] General Cain, [2:09:49] for your service. [2:09:50] I want to start [2:09:51] with the things [2:09:52] I know we agree on. [2:09:54] We agree [2:09:54] that we should honor [2:09:56] our fallen, [2:09:56] that we should stop [2:09:57] and remember them [2:09:58] and console [2:09:59] and comfort their families, [2:10:01] that we should be mindful [2:10:02] of the hundreds [2:10:03] of Americans [2:10:04] who've been wounded [2:10:05] and injured [2:10:05] in this war in Iran. [2:10:08] General Cain, [2:10:09] your observations [2:10:10] about how our adversaries [2:10:11] are aligning [2:10:12] more and more closely. [2:10:13] Technology is accelerating, [2:10:15] and cheap and lethal [2:10:16] and easily accessible drones [2:10:18] pose greater [2:10:18] and greater risks [2:10:19] to our troops, [2:10:20] our homeland, [2:10:21] and our security. [2:10:22] And Secretary Hegseth, [2:10:23] that we need [2:10:24] to protect our troops [2:10:25] wherever our president [2:10:26] directs them, [2:10:27] that we need [2:10:28] to protect our partners [2:10:29] and allies, [2:10:30] and that the dangerous, [2:10:31] radical Iranian regime [2:10:32] should never possess [2:10:33] a nuclear weapon. [2:10:34] I think we agree [2:10:35] on all of these [2:10:35] core basic points. [2:10:37] Where I think [2:10:38] we may disagree [2:10:39] is on this supplemental [2:10:41] and on the strategic choices [2:10:43] made to achieve [2:10:44] some of these core goals. [2:10:46] We're 143 days [2:10:47] into a war with Iran, [2:10:49] a war of choice [2:10:49] that we started with Israel, [2:10:51] but did not include, [2:10:53] consult, [2:10:53] or incorporate [2:10:54] our core allies, [2:10:55] our NATO allies, [2:10:56] our regional allies, [2:10:57] the American people, [2:10:59] and Congress. [2:11:00] And the reason [2:11:01] to consult [2:11:01] and include [2:11:02] our allies [2:11:03] and Congress [2:11:04] and the American people [2:11:05] is so that [2:11:06] when the costs [2:11:07] and the length [2:11:08] of a war [2:11:08] extend beyond [2:11:10] what we'd initially imagined, [2:11:11] the American people [2:11:12] and their representatives [2:11:13] in Congress [2:11:14] understand that sacrifice [2:11:15] and can continue [2:11:16] to support it. [2:11:18] I think your first [2:11:18] strategic mistake [2:11:19] was to not consult [2:11:21] the American people [2:11:21] in Congress [2:11:22] and make a clear case [2:11:24] for the reasons [2:11:25] behind this war. [2:11:26] There have been many, [2:11:27] lots offered, [2:11:29] and I think our military [2:11:29] has executed [2:11:30] on the core missions, [2:11:33] attack ballistic missile sites, [2:11:35] sink the Blue Water Navy, [2:11:38] attack their proxies, [2:11:39] constrain their capacity. [2:11:41] But I frankly think [2:11:42] it was entirely foreseeable [2:11:43] that Iran would close [2:11:45] the Strait of Hormuz, [2:11:46] would use cheap, [2:11:47] lethal, [2:11:48] widely available [2:11:48] Shahed drones [2:11:49] that they've led [2:11:50] the world in manufacturing [2:11:51] to attack our bases, [2:11:53] our troops, [2:11:54] our partners and allies, [2:11:55] and impose real costs. [2:11:57] Higher costs in fertilizer, [2:11:58] in fuel, [2:11:59] higher costs for the world, [2:12:01] and tragically, [2:12:02] increasingly higher human costs [2:12:04] for us and for our troops. [2:12:06] So, two questions, [2:12:07] two general lines [2:12:08] of questioning, [2:12:09] if I could. [2:12:10] Mr. Secretary, [2:12:11] your question says [2:12:12] without these supplemental funds, [2:12:14] we will face critical shortfalls [2:12:15] that threaten our ability [2:12:17] to pay our service members [2:12:18] and sustain global operations [2:12:20] without disruption. [2:12:21] You've been asked repeatedly, [2:12:23] there's $75 billion [2:12:24] appropriated but unobligated. [2:12:27] Can we really not avoid [2:12:29] critical short-term shortfalls? [2:12:31] What does that mean [2:12:32] about the budget management [2:12:33] within the department [2:12:34] in terms of unexpected [2:12:37] and unbudgeted wars? [2:12:39] First, Operation Southern Spare [2:12:42] and then Operation Epic Fury. [2:12:46] I would just note, [2:12:48] I was sort of updated, [2:12:49] 95% of that [2:12:50] One Big Beautiful Bill funding [2:12:51] will be allocated [2:12:52] by the end of September [2:12:53] in accordance with [2:12:54] congressional intent. [2:12:55] So, these are things [2:12:56] we said we would spend [2:12:58] and we told you [2:12:59] we would spend them on [2:12:59] and we plan to spend them [2:13:00] on those things [2:13:01] by the end of September. [2:13:02] So, this is a new request [2:13:04] based on new realities [2:13:05] of a world we face [2:13:08] stepping up to meet that moment. [2:13:10] And ultimately... [2:13:10] And forgive me, [2:13:10] Mr. Secretary, [2:13:11] but that's news to me [2:13:12] that that $75 billion [2:13:15] will be out the door, [2:13:17] appropriated, sorry, [2:13:18] allocated and spent [2:13:19] by September. [2:13:21] And I was simply questioning [2:13:22] how we have ships [2:13:25] running out of fuel [2:13:25] in the open seas [2:13:26] and planes being grounded [2:13:28] and... [2:13:28] I didn't say ships [2:13:29] were running out of fuel [2:13:30] in open seas [2:13:31] or planes were grounded. [2:13:32] I'm saying we would have [2:13:32] to make trade-offs. [2:13:33] But the operations and maintenance [2:13:33] accounts are running out of money. [2:13:34] Everything our troops need [2:13:35] on the battlefield, [2:13:36] they're getting in spades [2:13:37] and beyond. [2:13:38] It's ultimately looking [2:13:39] into the future. [2:13:40] Can we invest above [2:13:41] and beyond that [2:13:42] the types of munitions [2:13:43] fast enough [2:13:45] as we upgrade [2:13:45] and modernize our force? [2:13:47] That's what's at issue here [2:13:48] in this $1.5 trillion, [2:13:49] this supplemental [2:13:50] and any other additional [2:13:51] funding that comes. [2:13:52] Two quite different things, [2:13:53] a $1.5 trillion [2:13:54] base budget request [2:13:56] and a now $76 billion [2:13:59] supplemental. [2:14:00] And I was simply [2:14:01] going to point to, [2:14:03] A, Department of Homeland Security [2:14:04] is sitting on nearly [2:14:05] $100 billion [2:14:06] in unobligated funds. [2:14:09] You haven't requested [2:14:10] reimbursement [2:14:10] for the millions of, [2:14:11] frankly, billions of dollars [2:14:13] the department has spent [2:14:14] on law enforcement. [2:14:15] Second, we've requested [2:14:18] reimbursement [2:14:19] and are getting [2:14:19] a substantial reimbursement [2:14:20] from DHS. [2:14:21] That's good news [2:14:22] and that's news to me. [2:14:24] And frankly, [2:14:26] as we reflect on the service [2:14:27] and sacrifice of those [2:14:28] who put their lives [2:14:29] on the line of this war, [2:14:31] one of the things [2:14:31] I've raised over [2:14:32] and over and over [2:14:33] is the ways in which [2:14:35] this administration [2:14:36] has dragged its feet [2:14:37] on partnering with Ukraine [2:14:39] in order to deploy [2:14:41] the best-in-class sensors, [2:14:43] detectors, [2:14:43] and counter-drone systems [2:14:44] to protect everything [2:14:46] from Dover Air Force Base [2:14:48] to our bases in the region, [2:14:50] to our troops, [2:14:51] to our partners. [2:14:52] I want to see you focus [2:14:54] on accelerating the defense [2:14:56] of our troops [2:14:56] and our nation, [2:14:58] focus on accelerating [2:14:59] the defense of our troops [2:15:01] and this region, [2:15:02] and a strategy [2:15:03] that has a real chance [2:15:05] that's succeeding [2:15:06] at the goals [2:15:07] that we agree on [2:15:08] because the strategy [2:15:09] followed, [2:15:09] I think, [2:15:10] has no credible likelihood [2:15:11] of success. [2:15:14] Senator Brett. [2:15:16] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:15:17] I appreciate all of you [2:15:18] being here today. [2:15:19] So since the beginning [2:15:21] of Putin's aggression [2:15:24] into Ukraine, [2:15:26] this body has passed [2:15:29] five supplemental bills [2:15:31] funding different portions [2:15:33] of that war. [2:15:34] You mentioned in your opening, [2:15:36] Mr. Secretary, [2:15:38] about not getting [2:15:41] those munitions [2:15:42] that had come through [2:15:43] this body quick enough [2:15:45] to Ukraine [2:15:46] and also being able [2:15:48] to replenish those [2:15:49] here at home. [2:15:50] Can you talk a little bit [2:15:52] more about that? [2:15:53] Because I remember [2:15:54] the previous administration [2:15:55] dragging its feet [2:15:57] after this body [2:15:59] gave them directive [2:16:00] as to what to do. [2:16:01] So can you shed [2:16:01] a little bit more light [2:16:02] as to what you were talking [2:16:03] about in your opening? [2:16:05] Well, thank you [2:16:05] for that question. [2:16:06] Sometimes we forget [2:16:07] recent history, [2:16:08] which under the Biden [2:16:09] administration, [2:16:10] there were five [2:16:10] supplemental requests [2:16:12] for Ukraine, [2:16:13] which almost every member [2:16:14] of this body voted for [2:16:15] to send rapidly [2:16:16] in a bipartisan fashion [2:16:18] for something [2:16:19] that this committee [2:16:20] and the administration [2:16:21] deemed to be urgent. [2:16:23] President Trump [2:16:24] may take a different view, [2:16:25] but that was the view [2:16:25] of the Biden administration. [2:16:26] And real quick, [2:16:27] wouldn't you say [2:16:27] it would be urgent [2:16:28] to make sure that our men [2:16:29] and women in uniform [2:16:29] right now have everything [2:16:30] that they need? [2:16:31] I would argue providing [2:16:32] for American men [2:16:33] and women [2:16:34] as opposed to Ukrainian [2:16:35] men and women [2:16:36] is a higher priority [2:16:37] for the United States Senate. [2:16:40] So five supplementals [2:16:41] that went to Ukraine, [2:16:42] as good as that cause may be, [2:16:44] why is that righteous to do [2:16:45] but funding troops [2:16:47] in harm's way right now, [2:16:49] given the threat [2:16:51] and what they're undertaking, [2:16:52] this is a partisan exercise? [2:16:54] It's hypocrisy. [2:16:56] And I appreciate you pointing it out. [2:16:57] Real quick, [2:16:58] Madam Secretary, [2:17:00] question for you. [2:17:01] When the Russia-Ukraine war started, [2:17:03] we saw, obviously, [2:17:05] costs go up around the world. [2:17:07] In particular, [2:17:08] in that region, [2:17:09] we know that supplying [2:17:10] of fertilizer was tremendous. [2:17:13] We also know Ukraine [2:17:14] was top five [2:17:15] when it came to wheat [2:17:16] and corn [2:17:17] and other things [2:17:18] that we utilize [2:17:19] across the globe. [2:17:22] It's my recollection [2:17:24] that fertilizer went up [2:17:26] about 55%. [2:17:27] Obviously, [2:17:28] if we were able [2:17:29] to create stability [2:17:30] there in the region [2:17:31] and have peace, [2:17:33] it would follow [2:17:34] that then prices [2:17:35] would likely go down [2:17:37] over time [2:17:37] within the agriculture world [2:17:39] as well. [2:17:40] Is that fair? [2:17:41] Yes, that's correct. [2:17:42] Okay. [2:17:43] And when we're looking [2:17:44] at the Ukraine [2:17:45] and Russia war [2:17:47] and trying to end [2:17:50] Putin's aggression, [2:17:50] trying to bring peace, [2:17:53] General Cain, [2:17:54] if we were to cut off [2:17:55] the funding [2:17:57] that Russia was getting, [2:17:59] would it follow [2:18:02] that that would be [2:18:03] a driver [2:18:04] that could possibly [2:18:05] lead Putin [2:18:06] to the table? [2:18:09] Senator, yes. [2:18:10] And their economy [2:18:11] is struggling now. [2:18:13] Thank you. [2:18:13] And we also know, [2:18:14] I saw reports this weekend, [2:18:16] that it is said [2:18:17] that possibly Russia [2:18:18] and China, [2:18:20] which I know [2:18:20] you can't comment on [2:18:21] right now, [2:18:22] but are actually [2:18:23] helping Iran, [2:18:25] whether it is targeting [2:18:26] our troops, [2:18:27] funding, [2:18:28] and other mechanisms. [2:18:29] So the thing [2:18:29] that we could all agree [2:18:30] that ending that [2:18:32] would be helpful. [2:18:34] I want to just echo [2:18:35] Senator Kennedy's comments [2:18:36] that I think [2:18:37] the sooner we can get [2:18:38] this bill on the floor [2:18:39] and passed, [2:18:40] it would be huge [2:18:42] with regards [2:18:43] to Russian sanctions. [2:18:45] Also, I want to just [2:18:46] talk briefly [2:18:46] about the dysfunction [2:18:47] of this body. [2:18:48] So my question [2:18:49] is for you, [2:18:50] Mr. Secretary, [2:18:51] and you, General Cain. [2:18:52] I would have to think [2:18:53] that our adversaries, [2:18:55] and I believe [2:18:55] that we need to [2:18:56] fully fund our military, [2:18:58] making sure [2:18:59] that our warfighter [2:19:00] is the best ready, [2:19:02] trained, [2:19:02] and equipped [2:19:02] across the planet. [2:19:03] I think we have [2:19:04] an obligation [2:19:04] and a duty [2:19:05] to not only meet [2:19:06] the needs of the moment, [2:19:07] but to also look [2:19:08] at what's to come [2:19:09] and be preparing [2:19:10] for that. [2:19:10] You talked about [2:19:11] an insurance policy. [2:19:12] You talked about [2:19:13] what we need to do. [2:19:14] Now is the time [2:19:15] to do those things, [2:19:16] but I would have to think [2:19:17] that the dysfunction [2:19:17] of this body, [2:19:18] whether it's [2:19:19] the full shutdown, [2:19:20] a partial shutdown, [2:19:22] a partial shutdown, [2:19:23] not being able [2:19:24] to pass NDAA, [2:19:25] not being able [2:19:26] to pass FISA, [2:19:27] I would have to think [2:19:27] that our adversaries [2:19:29] look at that [2:19:31] and it gives them [2:19:32] a little bit more [2:19:33] credence [2:19:35] as to what [2:19:36] they're doing abroad. [2:19:37] Can either one of you [2:19:38] comment on that? [2:19:39] Thank you, Senator. [2:19:40] That's why I have said [2:19:41] and I will continue [2:19:41] to say that the inability [2:19:43] to properly fund [2:19:44] this department, [2:19:44] the Department of War, [2:19:45] is probably the single [2:19:46] greatest threat [2:19:47] our nation faces. [2:19:48] Whether or not [2:19:49] we will make [2:19:49] a generational investment [2:19:51] in not just winning [2:19:52] the wars currently, [2:19:53] but deterring [2:19:53] the wars of the future, [2:19:54] given the step change [2:19:55] and technology [2:19:56] of this moment [2:19:57] and the underfunding [2:19:58] of the previous administration. [2:19:59] You didn't mention [2:20:00] continued resolutions, [2:20:01] which is a whole other way [2:20:02] our department [2:20:03] has foolishly budgeted. [2:20:05] So I appreciate you [2:20:06] highlighting that. [2:20:06] It's very true. [2:20:07] Yeah, and General Kane, [2:20:08] question for you. [2:20:09] Obviously, [2:20:10] a shutdown [2:20:10] is just, [2:20:12] is a terrible thing [2:20:13] for the Department of War [2:20:15] and the men and women [2:20:15] that you oversee, [2:20:16] but I would assume [2:20:17] that a CR [2:20:18] is not much better. [2:20:20] Can you comment [2:20:20] on the effects of that? [2:20:22] Ma'am, [2:20:23] the department's done [2:20:24] a lot of work [2:20:25] to bind together [2:20:27] founders, [2:20:28] funders, [2:20:28] and fighters [2:20:29] as we look [2:20:30] to the challenges [2:20:30] that we face [2:20:31] in the future, [2:20:32] and a CR [2:20:32] would hurt badly [2:20:34] the effort [2:20:34] to properly arm [2:20:35] the joint force. [2:20:36] I hope we can work [2:20:37] together to do [2:20:37] the right thing. [2:20:38] Thanks. [2:20:39] The people are [2:20:39] depending on it. [2:20:41] Senator Schatz. [2:20:42] Thank you, Chair. [2:20:43] Thank you, Secretaries [2:20:44] and General, [2:20:45] for being here. [2:20:46] I want to start [2:20:47] by paying my respects [2:20:50] to First Lieutenant [2:20:51] Tyler Feehan [2:20:52] of Ewa Beach, [2:20:53] Hawaii, [2:20:53] who was among [2:20:54] those killed [2:20:55] in Jordan [2:20:56] this weekend [2:20:56] while serving [2:20:57] our country. [2:20:59] His courage, [2:20:59] selfless dedication, [2:21:00] and unwavering [2:21:01] commitment to duty [2:21:02] reflect the very best [2:21:04] of our armed forces. [2:21:06] We extend our deepest [2:21:07] condolences to his family, [2:21:09] his loved ones, [2:21:10] his fellow service members, [2:21:12] and remain forever grateful [2:21:13] for his sacrifice. [2:21:19] Secretary, [2:21:20] about 190,000 people [2:21:22] in the state of Hawaii, [2:21:24] believe it or not, [2:21:24] voted for Donald John Trump. [2:21:26] And I know a lot of them, [2:21:27] and I represent all of them. [2:21:29] And one of the reasons [2:21:31] that they were enthusiastic [2:21:33] about Donald Trump [2:21:34] and you, [2:21:34] Mr. Secretary, [2:21:36] was they thought [2:21:37] that we were going to have [2:21:39] a new foreign policy. [2:21:43] And that I think, [2:21:44] I'm paraphrasing, [2:21:45] but I think you characterized [2:21:46] yourself as a reformed neocon [2:21:48] or some such thing. [2:21:49] And people were pretty thrilled [2:21:50] about the idea [2:21:51] that we were going to, [2:21:53] that America First, [2:21:54] in their mind, [2:21:56] meant that we were going [2:21:57] to not do [2:21:58] this kind of adventurism. [2:22:00] And so I don't want you [2:22:03] to answer me, [2:22:03] I want you to answer them. [2:22:05] And I want to walk through [2:22:06] the sort of stated objectives [2:22:08] of this war at the outset. [2:22:12] Regime change. [2:22:15] We now have a younger [2:22:15] and more radical regime, [2:22:20] depleting, eliminating [2:22:21] their conventional [2:22:22] missile capability. [2:22:24] It's true that we've depleted [2:22:26] their conventional [2:22:27] missile capability. [2:22:28] It's also true that [2:22:29] anything the Department of War [2:22:31] sets out to do, [2:22:32] it usually succeeds at. [2:22:34] So the question is not [2:22:35] do we kick ass? [2:22:37] It's when do we decide [2:22:38] to use kinetic engagement [2:22:40] to extend our power [2:22:44] across the globe? [2:22:46] And it's clear that Iran [2:22:47] still retains enough [2:22:49] conventional missile capability [2:22:51] to attack our bases [2:22:53] and our interests [2:22:54] in the region. [2:22:55] Now, it's true [2:22:57] that the Blue Water Navy [2:22:58] is destroyed. [2:22:58] It's also true, [2:22:59] and you know this, [2:23:00] that the IRGC [2:23:01] has something [2:23:02] that you may not call a Navy, [2:23:03] but it's got capabilities [2:23:05] to touch us with drones [2:23:08] and missiles [2:23:09] and lay mines [2:23:10] in the Strait of Hormuz, [2:23:14] preventing their nuclear capability. [2:23:16] It's also true [2:23:17] that if you bomb the crap [2:23:18] out of a place, [2:23:19] they're going to have [2:23:19] less capabilities [2:23:20] by the end of it. [2:23:21] But it's also true [2:23:22] that we have not eliminated [2:23:23] their nuclear capability. [2:23:25] And whatever duration [2:23:26] we've set them back [2:23:28] actually pales in comparison [2:23:30] to the, and I'll say it, [2:23:32] the Obama nuclear deal, [2:23:33] which we did [2:23:34] without having to put our people [2:23:38] in harm's way. [2:23:40] And then the last objective, [2:23:41] which has become a new objective, [2:23:43] is open up the Strait of Hormuz. [2:23:45] But the Strait of Hormuz [2:23:46] was open before this war started. [2:23:50] And so you tell my constituents [2:23:52] why this war is going so well. [2:23:55] I think you did accurately portray me [2:24:01] as a reformed neocon. [2:24:03] And members of our generation [2:24:04] in Iraq and Afghanistan [2:24:05] watched administrations [2:24:06] on both sides [2:24:07] try to project some remaking [2:24:09] of a society [2:24:10] in the image of America [2:24:11] that spent thousands of lives. [2:24:13] I mean, in Iraq, [2:24:14] you know, 15, [2:24:16] I don't know the exact number, [2:24:17] but tens of thousands [2:24:18] between Iraq and Afghanistan, [2:24:19] men and women lost. [2:24:20] President Trump said, [2:24:21] we're not fighting stupid wars [2:24:23] like that again. [2:24:24] And he hasn't. [2:24:24] That's why we haven't been trying [2:24:26] to remake Iranian society, [2:24:27] but simply in a realist [2:24:28] America-first way, [2:24:30] ensure they never have a path [2:24:32] to a nuclear bomb full stop. [2:24:34] And he has said as a candidate [2:24:35] and he said as a private citizen, [2:24:37] Iran can never have a nuclear weapon [2:24:39] because radical Islamists [2:24:40] with a nuclear weapon [2:24:41] will wield it over our head [2:24:42] in perpetuity. [2:24:44] So President Trump ran [2:24:45] on fighting wars differently [2:24:46] and were doing so overwhelmingly. [2:24:48] And he was very clear as a candidate [2:24:50] that Iran can never have [2:24:51] a nuclear capability. [2:24:51] So I think he's directly on par [2:24:53] with exactly what he's saying. [2:24:54] Let me get a question back in here. [2:24:55] I think we're understanding [2:25:00] the limits of air power here [2:25:01] because we're basically [2:25:04] at a stalemate. [2:25:06] Someone says the Strait of Hormuz [2:25:07] is closed and we say, [2:25:08] well, we've got a naval blockade [2:25:11] and we're just going to see [2:25:12] who blinks first. [2:25:14] And the truth is, [2:25:15] in order to sort of change [2:25:16] the balance here, [2:25:19] change the equation here, [2:25:21] some kind of escalation [2:25:22] would have to be considered. [2:25:23] And if you're taking that [2:25:24] off the table, [2:25:25] then we are in a holding pattern. [2:25:29] And I go back [2:25:29] to the original five objectives [2:25:31] and none of them [2:25:31] have been met. [2:25:33] Some of them have changed, [2:25:34] but none of them [2:25:35] have been met. [2:25:36] And with gas at now 4.02, [2:25:39] with the Brent crude hit 90 today, [2:25:40] up from 72 weeks ago, [2:25:43] gas up about a buck nationwide, [2:25:45] about a buck 50 [2:25:45] in the state of Hawaii. [2:25:47] People want to know, [2:25:49] why are we even doing this? [2:25:54] Senator Fischer. [2:25:55] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:25:59] Secretary Higgs, Seth, [2:26:00] I appreciated your perspective [2:26:02] on the focus [2:26:04] on the four-year war [2:26:06] in comparison [2:26:07] to a four-month war [2:26:09] with a nuclear adversary. [2:26:13] And I thought [2:26:14] it was very well said. [2:26:15] Thank you. [2:26:17] If we want to support Ukraine [2:26:21] going forward, [2:26:22] I think the best way [2:26:24] to do that [2:26:24] is to dramatically [2:26:26] increase munition production. [2:26:30] And we need more interceptors. [2:26:33] We have to be able [2:26:34] to move forward. [2:26:35] So do our allies [2:26:37] and our friends. [2:26:39] And let me emphasize [2:26:40] that this supplemental [2:26:42] does that. [2:26:45] This is what we're talking [2:26:46] about here today. [2:26:47] It's one of the things [2:26:48] that we're talking about. [2:26:50] As a member [2:26:50] of the Armed Services Committee, [2:26:52] one of my priorities [2:26:54] for over five years now [2:26:55] has been on munition production. [2:26:59] General Cain, [2:27:00] what happens [2:27:01] if Congress doesn't fund [2:27:03] this $21 billion request [2:27:05] for additional munitions? [2:27:08] Well, ma'am, [2:27:09] there's been a lot of work [2:27:10] done by the department [2:27:11] to partner with [2:27:12] the private sector. [2:27:14] I'll acknowledge [2:27:14] some of the efforts [2:27:15] that the private sector [2:27:16] is doing [2:27:17] to utilize their own capital [2:27:18] to facilitize factories. [2:27:20] If we don't, [2:27:21] as a team, [2:27:23] figure out [2:27:24] how to properly fund [2:27:26] the department, [2:27:27] then, you know, [2:27:28] we're not going [2:27:29] to get the munitions [2:27:30] and there's going [2:27:30] to be a lack [2:27:31] of shared risk [2:27:32] between the federal government [2:27:34] and the private sector. [2:27:35] And I think we're [2:27:35] at a point in time [2:27:36] in our history [2:27:37] where we need to partner. [2:27:39] We need to find [2:27:40] an ability to share risk. [2:27:41] We need to be better sellers [2:27:43] and buyers on both sides [2:27:44] in order to make sure [2:27:46] that the young, [2:27:47] all-volunteer force [2:27:48] has the weapons [2:27:49] that they need [2:27:49] before they are asked [2:27:52] to go do something. [2:27:53] What you're saying [2:27:53] is we need to be prepared [2:27:55] as a country. [2:27:57] Yes, ma'am. [2:27:57] And I hope, [2:27:59] as I said [2:27:59] in my opening statement, [2:28:00] that we will find a way [2:28:02] to make sure [2:28:03] that we seize this moment [2:28:05] in this time [2:28:06] in history [2:28:06] to ensure [2:28:08] that we've got [2:28:09] the right mix of munitions, [2:28:10] high, low, scale, autonomous. [2:28:12] What's your plan B [2:28:14] if the supplemental [2:28:15] doesn't pass? [2:28:16] What's plan B? [2:28:17] Ma'am, [2:28:18] we will always figure [2:28:19] things out. [2:28:20] We will always [2:28:21] have contingencies. [2:28:22] We will always [2:28:23] determine a way [2:28:25] to create [2:28:25] multiple simultaneous [2:28:27] dilemmas [2:28:27] for adversaries [2:28:28] around the world [2:28:29] in order to create [2:28:30] time for us [2:28:31] to do the work [2:28:32] that the Congress [2:28:33] and the Department [2:28:34] needs to do together. [2:28:35] As you've heard me say [2:28:36] a number of times [2:28:37] in our posture hearings [2:28:39] on armed services [2:28:40] and also in classified briefings, [2:28:42] we don't have [2:28:43] a lot of time, [2:28:44] do we, sir? [2:28:46] No, ma'am. [2:28:46] That's why I said [2:28:47] if not now, [2:28:48] then when [2:28:49] and if not us, [2:28:50] then who? [2:28:51] And I truly believe [2:28:52] we're at one of those [2:28:53] moments in history [2:28:55] where we have a choice [2:28:56] to make [2:28:56] just given what I see [2:28:58] on the next couple [2:28:59] ridgelines [2:28:59] and I encourage us [2:29:02] to move forward. [2:29:03] Thank you. [2:29:04] Mr. Secretary, [2:29:06] how would this request [2:29:07] scale munitions production [2:29:09] and be able to accelerate [2:29:10] our delivery times? [2:29:13] In the past, [2:29:13] previous administrations [2:29:14] would sort of send [2:29:15] the same amount [2:29:16] of dollars [2:29:16] into trying [2:29:18] to encourage companies [2:29:19] to build another factory [2:29:20] and add an additional shift. [2:29:22] What this munition request [2:29:23] does is fulfills deals [2:29:25] that our department [2:29:25] have cut with these companies. [2:29:27] First, [2:29:27] multi-year procurement [2:29:28] where these companies [2:29:30] that make SM3s [2:29:31] or Patriots [2:29:32] or Thads [2:29:33] or Tomahawks. [2:29:34] That was a priority [2:29:34] for our NDAA [2:29:36] a couple years ago [2:29:37] when we put that in. [2:29:38] And you have provided [2:29:39] that authority, [2:29:39] multi-year procurement. [2:29:41] And now those companies [2:29:42] are spending [2:29:42] $4 billion, [2:29:44] $5 billion, [2:29:45] $3 billion [2:29:46] on building [2:29:47] their own new factories [2:29:48] that then produce [2:29:49] 2x, 3x, [2:29:50] or 4x [2:29:51] the amount of munitions [2:29:52] than they did in the past [2:29:53] and they paid for it. [2:29:55] So actually, [2:29:55] in this budget, [2:29:56] which is $21 billion, [2:29:58] as you mentioned, [2:29:59] it saves $18 billion [2:30:00] over the FIDIP [2:30:01] on munitions [2:30:02] because we're buying munitions [2:30:03] at today's cost [2:30:04] and not at [2:30:05] five or seven years from now [2:30:06] when we will also get them. [2:30:08] I hate to interrupt, [2:30:09] but we're running out of time. [2:30:10] We also have the, [2:30:11] the request includes [2:30:13] $4.1 billion [2:30:15] for our space-based capabilities. [2:30:18] And that includes [2:30:19] the AMTI [2:30:20] and our space data [2:30:22] network capabilities. [2:30:24] And these really underpin [2:30:26] the long-range kill chains [2:30:28] and allow our war fighters [2:30:29] to detect [2:30:30] and also then [2:30:31] to attract [2:30:32] to track [2:30:33] the airborne threats. [2:30:34] So, Mr. Secretary, [2:30:35] what's the risk [2:30:36] to the joint force [2:30:37] if we delay [2:30:38] these programs [2:30:39] until FY28 [2:30:41] or beyond? [2:30:43] Senator, [2:30:44] not being able to see, [2:30:45] not being able to sense [2:30:46] before an adversary [2:30:47] is able to engage [2:30:48] one of our capabilities, [2:30:50] which means falling behind [2:30:51] in the domain of space, [2:30:52] which means falling behind [2:30:53] at every other domain. [2:30:54] Great. [2:30:54] Thank you. [2:30:55] And, General Cain, [2:30:56] do you have anything [2:30:56] to add on that [2:30:57] about why Congress [2:30:59] can't wait? [2:31:00] I think you [2:31:00] make such an excellent [2:31:02] case on that. [2:31:05] No, ma'am. [2:31:05] I'll stick with the words [2:31:07] that I offered. [2:31:09] Secretary Rollins, [2:31:10] thank you for your focus [2:31:11] on the year-round sale [2:31:12] of V-15, [2:31:13] for taking care [2:31:14] of the horrible disasters [2:31:17] we've had in Nebraska. [2:31:18] We appreciate you coming out. [2:31:20] And I have a couple things [2:31:22] more, of course, [2:31:22] that I want to bring [2:31:23] to your attention. [2:31:24] But thank you very much. [2:31:25] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:31:27] Senator Van Hollen. [2:31:29] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:31:30] Secretary Rollins, [2:31:32] the Beltsville Agricultural [2:31:34] Research Center [2:31:35] in Maryland [2:31:36] is one of the crown jewels [2:31:38] of agriculture research [2:31:40] in the United States. [2:31:41] And my question is simple. [2:31:43] Can we find some time [2:31:44] to get together [2:31:44] in the coming weeks [2:31:45] to discuss the situation there? [2:31:48] Absolutely, yes. [2:31:49] Thank you, Madam Secretary. [2:31:50] Yes. [2:31:51] Let me turn to the Iran war. [2:31:55] We recently lost [2:31:56] three American heroes. [2:31:58] That brings the death toll [2:32:00] for American soldiers [2:32:02] to 18. [2:32:04] One is still missing. [2:32:05] Hundreds have been injured. [2:32:07] That's on top [2:32:08] of the civilian death toll [2:32:10] throughout the region [2:32:10] that now stands [2:32:11] at several thousand, [2:32:14] including the over 150 people [2:32:15] killed in the bombing [2:32:16] of an elementary school [2:32:18] in Mnab in Iran. [2:32:20] Meanwhile, [2:32:21] the Strait of Hormuz [2:32:22] is closed. [2:32:23] Gas prices today [2:32:24] in the United States [2:32:25] again spiked above [2:32:26] $4 a gallon. [2:32:28] And that will also continue [2:32:30] to push up costs [2:32:31] for groceries [2:32:31] and other things [2:32:33] that families buy. [2:32:36] Secretary Hexseff, [2:32:37] you said in your opening statement [2:32:39] the best way to ensure peace [2:32:41] is to prepare for war. [2:32:42] And I agree with you [2:32:43] about deterrence. [2:32:45] I would also submit [2:32:46] that the best way [2:32:47] to ensure peace [2:32:48] is not to start wars [2:32:49] because wars are a lot easier [2:32:51] to start than they are to end. [2:32:55] General Cain, [2:32:55] I heard your testimony [2:32:56] saying Iran will continue [2:32:58] to be a challenge. [2:33:00] And I think it's pretty clear [2:33:01] that that is, in fact, [2:33:04] the case. [2:33:06] And, General, [2:33:07] in order for you [2:33:09] to develop [2:33:10] a military strategy [2:33:12] to accomplish [2:33:13] a particular objective, [2:33:16] you obviously need to know [2:33:17] what those objectives are, right? [2:33:22] Yes, sir. [2:33:22] It all starts with [2:33:24] what is the political objective [2:33:27] and from that [2:33:28] we derive military objectives [2:33:30] that support [2:33:31] whatever that entity is. [2:33:32] And as you say, [2:33:33] that is a political objective. [2:33:35] Yes, sir. [2:33:35] So, Mr. Secretary, [2:33:38] you've talked a lot [2:33:39] about winning. [2:33:41] You've talked about winning [2:33:42] in your testimony today. [2:33:43] You've talked about winning [2:33:44] throughout the Iran war. [2:33:46] And we all like winning. [2:33:48] But I think the American people [2:33:50] deserve a definition [2:33:52] of what it means [2:33:54] to win in Iran [2:33:57] because this war [2:34:00] has dragged out [2:34:01] for a lot longer [2:34:02] than certainly [2:34:03] the President [2:34:03] of the United States [2:34:04] indicated. [2:34:06] Indeed, [2:34:07] the President said [2:34:08] on March 24th, [2:34:09] and I'm quoting, [2:34:12] we've won this war. [2:34:13] This war has been won. [2:34:15] Do you know what [2:34:16] the President meant [2:34:16] by that [2:34:18] back in March? [2:34:20] Well, Senator, [2:34:21] I would just note [2:34:21] that militarily, [2:34:22] I mean, Iran has been [2:34:23] completely overmatched [2:34:25] and crushed [2:34:26] from the beginning. [2:34:27] Militarily. [2:34:27] Their capabilities [2:34:28] are nowhere near ours. [2:34:30] I would take issue [2:34:31] with your characterization [2:34:32] that we didn't start, [2:34:33] that we started this war. [2:34:35] Iran started this war [2:34:36] 47 years ago [2:34:37] and they've killed [2:34:37] thousands of Americans, [2:34:39] including our brothers [2:34:39] on the battlefield in Iraq. [2:34:41] With all respect, [2:34:43] Mr. Secretary, [2:34:44] let me just ask you this. [2:34:48] Since you said [2:34:49] that what the President [2:34:50] meant by his statement [2:34:53] on March 24th, [2:34:55] I think that we had [2:34:56] sort of defeated [2:34:57] Iran militarily. [2:34:59] But that is not [2:35:00] the entire objective [2:35:02] of this war. [2:35:03] I don't think [2:35:03] there was ever [2:35:04] a question [2:35:04] about whether [2:35:05] the United States [2:35:06] with its superior military [2:35:08] could destroy [2:35:10] a lot of Iranian assets, [2:35:13] military assets [2:35:13] or other assets. [2:35:15] That was never a question. [2:35:17] But when most people [2:35:19] think of winning the war, [2:35:21] they think that [2:35:22] that means the war [2:35:23] is going to come to an end [2:35:24] because we've won. [2:35:26] And the President said [2:35:27] back in March [2:35:28] that we'd won. [2:35:28] So I guess my question [2:35:30] to you is [2:35:32] how are we going [2:35:34] to define winning? [2:35:36] I hear back in March [2:35:38] you said about [2:35:40] the Iranians [2:35:40] and I quote, [2:35:41] whether they will [2:35:42] have a ceremony [2:35:43] in Tehran Square [2:35:44] and surrender, [2:35:46] that's up to them. [2:35:48] So my question, [2:35:49] Mr. Secretary, [2:35:51] reopening the Strait of Hormuz [2:35:52] is necessary [2:35:53] in order for us to win, [2:35:55] right? [2:35:55] That's just a simple [2:35:56] yes or no question. [2:35:57] You asked me [2:35:58] what the overarching [2:35:59] objective is [2:36:00] and I would say [2:36:00] ensuring Iran [2:36:01] never has a nuclear weapon. [2:36:02] That's been clear [2:36:03] from the President [2:36:03] from day one. [2:36:05] That's why [2:36:05] Midnight Hammer [2:36:06] was undertaken [2:36:06] to obliterate [2:36:07] their nuclear sites. [2:36:08] That's why we're [2:36:09] watching their nuclear sites. [2:36:10] That's why [2:36:10] that was a part [2:36:11] of negotiations [2:36:11] ensuring that [2:36:13] the next generation [2:36:13] of Americans [2:36:14] don't have to deal [2:36:14] with Iran [2:36:15] that wields a nuclear weapon. [2:36:16] Since that's what [2:36:17] you're leading with, [2:36:18] Mr. Secretary, [2:36:19] let me just say this. [2:36:21] You said [2:36:22] after Midnight Hammer [2:36:24] and I'm quoting, [2:36:25] our bombing campaign [2:36:26] obliterated Iran's ability [2:36:28] to create nuclear weapons, [2:36:29] unquote. [2:36:30] Clearly that is not [2:36:31] the case [2:36:33] based on your testimony today. [2:36:34] It's also a fact [2:36:35] that the DNI, [2:36:37] Tulsi Gabbard, [2:36:38] testified in front [2:36:39] of the Intelligence Committee [2:36:40] that it was our assessment [2:36:42] that Iran did not intend [2:36:43] to restart [2:36:44] its nuclear program. [2:36:46] The President [2:36:46] of the United States [2:36:47] just about a week ago [2:36:48] said Iran has committed [2:36:51] not to develop [2:36:51] a nuclear weapon, [2:36:52] which of course [2:36:52] is a commitment [2:36:53] they've made [2:36:53] for many years. [2:36:54] We need to enforce that. [2:36:56] That's what we are doing [2:36:57] under the JCPOA. [2:36:58] Thank you, [2:36:58] Madam Chair. [2:36:59] Senator Browns. [2:37:00] Thank you, [2:37:03] thank you, Madam Chair. [2:37:05] I had the opportunity [2:37:09] to serve as governor [2:37:10] of South Dakota [2:37:12] for eight years. [2:37:15] During that time, [2:37:16] we deployed over 5,000 [2:37:18] young men and women [2:37:19] into harm's way. [2:37:22] National Guard members [2:37:23] from South Dakota. [2:37:25] I attended their [2:37:26] departure ceremonies. [2:37:30] I attended their [2:37:31] welcome home ceremonies [2:37:33] and I attended 31 funerals. [2:37:36] One of the main reasons [2:37:41] that I decided to [2:37:44] come to Washington [2:37:46] was because I never [2:37:49] wanted to see [2:37:50] young men and women [2:37:51] going into harm's way [2:37:52] again if they didn't [2:37:54] have the best leadership, [2:37:57] the best training, [2:37:59] and the best equipment [2:38:00] possible. [2:38:03] Now, this body, [2:38:06] the Senate, [2:38:08] with regard to the [2:38:09] Iranian war, [2:38:12] to date this body [2:38:12] has chosen not to [2:38:14] impose war power [2:38:15] limitations on the [2:38:17] President, [2:38:19] nor have we pushed [2:38:20] for the withdrawal [2:38:21] of forces from the [2:38:22] theater. [2:38:23] I think the decision [2:38:25] to take out Iran's [2:38:27] nuclear program [2:38:28] and their missile [2:38:29] production capacity [2:38:30] was the right one. [2:38:33] And it should have been [2:38:34] done a long time ago. [2:38:36] But when the President [2:38:38] did that, [2:38:40] we also assumed [2:38:41] that there would be [2:38:42] risk involved. [2:38:44] And when you put young men [2:38:46] and women in harm's way, [2:38:47] you want to do everything [2:38:48] you can to make sure [2:38:49] that you get in, [2:38:50] you get the job done, [2:38:51] and you get out. [2:38:53] I think that's what [2:38:54] we talk about. [2:38:54] Now, today, [2:38:57] it has been since February [2:38:59] that we now have the [2:39:01] Iranians that are [2:39:02] shooting back. [2:39:03] We haven't finished [2:39:04] the job. [2:39:06] I think the question [2:39:07] that the American people [2:39:08] have is, [2:39:10] when the difficult [2:39:11] decision comes, [2:39:12] because I don't think [2:39:13] diplomacy is necessarily [2:39:14] working, [2:39:15] and I think most people [2:39:16] would say, [2:39:16] we've got more issues [2:39:19] in front of us [2:39:19] before this is complete. [2:39:23] For General Cain, [2:39:25] when the time comes [2:39:26] and the President [2:39:27] is asking for [2:39:29] the decisions [2:39:30] about the options [2:39:31] available to him [2:39:31] to appropriately end [2:39:34] this war favorable [2:39:35] to the United States, [2:39:38] and to take care [2:39:38] of this problem [2:39:39] permanently, [2:39:41] are you prepared [2:39:42] to provide him [2:39:43] with the appropriate [2:39:44] options that he is [2:39:47] going to have to make [2:39:47] a decision to choose from? [2:39:51] Sir, I always provide [2:39:52] the President [2:39:53] with appropriate options [2:39:54] and risks [2:39:55] that he can choose from. [2:39:56] And those options [2:39:58] that he will have [2:39:59] to choose from [2:40:00] will cost money. [2:40:02] And that's our role here. [2:40:04] Because if we don't [2:40:04] do it right, [2:40:06] young men and women die. [2:40:09] The question to you, [2:40:10] sir, is this. [2:40:11] You've offered [2:40:12] a supplemental request, [2:40:14] and I recognize [2:40:14] that it's part of [2:40:15] a $1.5 trillion overall, [2:40:17] but is this enough money [2:40:19] to get the job done, [2:40:21] or is this going to [2:40:22] just get us far enough [2:40:23] until we've got to [2:40:24] come back in here, [2:40:26] and in the meantime, [2:40:27] we may very well [2:40:28] not have these young men [2:40:29] and women out of harm's way [2:40:30] yet? [2:40:30] That's my question. [2:40:31] Sir, I want to first [2:40:32] start with recognizing [2:40:34] you're 31 fallen from home [2:40:36] and mourn their losses. [2:40:39] We carefully consider [2:40:40] the use of military force [2:40:42] every single day. [2:40:44] And the most important [2:40:45] thing that I do [2:40:46] is make sure [2:40:47] that the President [2:40:47] and the other leaders [2:40:48] understand the risks [2:40:49] and carefully consider [2:40:51] the Dover test, [2:40:52] the place you've been [2:40:52] many times. [2:40:53] And that is, [2:40:54] are we willing to go [2:40:55] to Dover, [2:40:55] as we will tomorrow, [2:40:57] to bring back the fallen? [2:40:59] I can't answer the question [2:41:00] on what it will cost [2:41:01] because the enemy [2:41:02] has a vote. [2:41:03] What I'll commit to you [2:41:05] as this plays out, [2:41:06] we'll make sure [2:41:07] that the Congress [2:41:08] is informed. [2:41:09] But because I'm not quite sure [2:41:10] how this is going to play out yet, [2:41:12] it would be unwise [2:41:13] for me to comment [2:41:14] on what a future cost [2:41:15] may or may not be, [2:41:17] depending on what they choose. [2:41:19] General, [2:41:20] you will provide a plan [2:41:21] to Congress [2:41:22] at whatever the appropriate [2:41:24] classification level is [2:41:25] on what resources [2:41:27] are required [2:41:28] to execute [2:41:30] what the President's intent [2:41:31] will be [2:41:32] to successfully [2:41:33] end this conflict. [2:41:34] Sir, [2:41:35] I will always make sure [2:41:36] that as we have [2:41:37] that we're moving data [2:41:39] as appropriate [2:41:40] to Congress. [2:41:41] Yes, sir. [2:41:41] Let me come back in [2:41:44] just in terms of [2:41:45] follow-up on this [2:41:46] a little bit. [2:41:47] Some have criticized [2:41:49] Operation Epic Fury [2:41:50] for expending [2:41:51] many of our munitions [2:41:52] stockpiles. [2:41:54] Were our munitions, [2:41:55] the inventories [2:41:57] of those munitions, [2:41:58] and the capacity [2:41:59] of our munitions [2:42:00] industrial-based [2:42:01] sufficient [2:42:01] for great power competition [2:42:03] with near-peer adversaries [2:42:05] like China [2:42:06] prior to Operation Epic Fury? [2:42:09] Secretary Hegseth? [2:42:12] Senator, [2:42:12] as I laid out, [2:42:13] because of the previous [2:42:14] administration, [2:42:15] funding shortfalls, [2:42:16] munitions transferred [2:42:17] to Ukraine [2:42:18] and not replaced, [2:42:19] and then ignoring threats, [2:42:21] it built a lot of risk [2:42:22] that requires [2:42:24] this kind of investment. [2:42:25] So you'd look at [2:42:25] the $67 billion [2:42:27] alongside the remainder [2:42:28] for $1.5 billion. [2:42:29] That's the kind [2:42:30] of generational investment [2:42:31] that not just matches [2:42:32] peer adversaries, [2:42:34] but far surpasses them, [2:42:36] which I think [2:42:36] is your expectation, [2:42:37] having been to those [2:42:38] ceremonies, [2:42:39] which is mine, [2:42:39] having been to them [2:42:40] and going to them, [2:42:41] is that we give [2:42:41] everything possible [2:42:42] to the warfighter [2:42:43] that they deserve. [2:42:44] Senator Heimrich. [2:42:46] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:42:47] Thank you. [2:42:47] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:42:49] General Kane, [2:42:51] our military [2:42:53] is the best in the world, [2:42:55] and so I don't think [2:42:56] any of us [2:42:57] should be surprised [2:42:58] with the technical [2:43:00] execution of its attacks [2:43:02] on the Iranian regime's forces. [2:43:04] They've been flawless. [2:43:07] What I don't want us [2:43:08] to confuse [2:43:08] is flawless technical execution [2:43:12] with long-term strategic success, [2:43:15] and I think one objective [2:43:17] that is relatively modest [2:43:19] because it puts us back [2:43:20] to where we were [2:43:21] when we started this, [2:43:22] but nonetheless [2:43:23] is incredibly important [2:43:25] as a critical objective [2:43:27] is that I want to see [2:43:28] the strait open again, [2:43:30] and I want to see it open [2:43:32] where shippers [2:43:32] can transit that strait [2:43:34] without being extorted [2:43:36] by Iran, [2:43:37] and I would love [2:43:38] to see that [2:43:39] before our commercial [2:43:41] and other oil reserves [2:43:44] are exhausted [2:43:44] because of the impacts [2:43:46] that that will then have [2:43:47] on the pocketbooks [2:43:48] of American families. [2:43:50] Is that a reasonable objective, [2:43:52] and is it one [2:43:54] that you share? [2:43:56] Sir, I'll defer [2:43:57] on the military objectives [2:43:59] to the political leaders [2:44:01] who set them. [2:44:02] What I can tell you [2:44:03] is U.S. Central Command [2:44:05] is working hard [2:44:06] to ensure [2:44:07] that Iran [2:44:08] cannot terrorize [2:44:10] the southern flank [2:44:11] down there, [2:44:11] and they're doing so [2:44:13] every single day and night, [2:44:15] and you and the rest [2:44:16] of the Senate [2:44:16] would be proud [2:44:17] of the actions [2:44:18] and activities [2:44:19] for the forces [2:44:20] that are down there. [2:44:21] The character of war [2:44:22] is changing, though, [2:44:23] like I said [2:44:24] in my opening statement, [2:44:25] and so there's a variety [2:44:27] of mixing munitions [2:44:28] that are down there [2:44:29] coming at the commercial traffic, [2:44:31] but I would like [2:44:32] to be clear [2:44:33] and unambiguous [2:44:34] with you [2:44:35] and the rest of the Senate [2:44:36] and the Iranian forces. [2:44:38] They have a choice to make, [2:44:39] and they should knock it off. [2:44:41] I have no doubt [2:44:42] I would be incredibly proud [2:44:45] of the actions [2:44:46] of our service members [2:44:47] in this conflict, [2:44:48] and I hope [2:44:50] we can achieve [2:44:51] that kind of strategic objection [2:44:53] on the timeline [2:44:54] that obviously [2:44:56] avoids the worst impacts [2:44:59] of the limitations [2:45:01] of commercial oil supplies [2:45:03] right now. [2:45:05] Secretary Rollins, [2:45:06] I want to shift gears. [2:45:08] One of the things [2:45:08] that you mentioned [2:45:09] in your opening statement [2:45:10] that we appear [2:45:11] to agree on [2:45:12] is that there is [2:45:13] simply too much consolidation [2:45:15] in a number [2:45:17] of agricultural sectors. [2:45:18] You mentioned fertilizer [2:45:19] and seeds, [2:45:20] but in particular, [2:45:21] I want to talk about [2:45:22] the meatpacking industry [2:45:23] because in a previous [2:45:25] Trump administration bailout, [2:45:27] about $90 million [2:45:28] went to the corrupt [2:45:30] Brazilian meatpacker JBS. [2:45:33] I think that Congress [2:45:34] really intended those funds [2:45:36] to go to American ranchers, [2:45:38] so I want to ask you [2:45:40] what are you going to do [2:45:41] this time around [2:45:42] to ensure that [2:45:43] the proposed relief dollars [2:45:45] that we're talking about today, [2:45:47] that those funds [2:45:48] go to American producers [2:45:49] instead of to [2:45:50] the very foreign corporations [2:45:52] who have created [2:45:54] the business model [2:45:55] where ranchers bear the risk [2:45:56] and meatpackers [2:45:57] reap the profits. [2:45:59] Well, that's right, [2:45:59] and we're obviously [2:46:00] at a 75-year herd low. [2:46:03] There are a lot of reasons [2:46:04] for that, [2:46:04] but I'm working [2:46:05] to solve for that. [2:46:07] Number one, [2:46:07] the Department of Justice [2:46:08] is investigating right now [2:46:10] significantly the four, [2:46:11] but especially [2:46:12] the two foreign-owned. [2:46:13] Number two, [2:46:14] USDA is investing [2:46:15] significant funds [2:46:17] in deconsolidating packing [2:46:19] and supporting mid-size [2:46:21] and smaller packers [2:46:22] around the country. [2:46:22] I know that wasn't [2:46:23] your question, [2:46:23] but just to answer [2:46:25] the bigger question, [2:46:26] which is a really important one, [2:46:28] but from my perspective, [2:46:29] the Trump USDA 2.0 [2:46:32] has been hyper-focused [2:46:34] on small and mid-sized [2:46:35] farmers and ranchers. [2:46:37] We have worked really hard [2:46:39] on the $40 billion [2:46:39] that has already moved through. [2:46:41] To make sure that [2:46:42] that goes to where [2:46:43] it is intended, [2:46:44] which is not multinational [2:46:46] foreign agricultural corporations. [2:46:48] I very much support [2:46:50] the efforts [2:46:50] of the Department of Justice. [2:46:52] I think there is [2:46:53] a very important [2:46:54] antitrust case [2:46:56] to be made here. [2:46:58] At the same time, [2:47:00] I've watched [2:47:00] as your department [2:47:02] has rescinded [2:47:03] three important rules [2:47:05] that were put in place [2:47:06] to protect farmers [2:47:07] and ranchers [2:47:08] from unfair practices [2:47:09] by the large meatpackers. [2:47:11] Those rules were supported [2:47:13] by the American Farm Bureau [2:47:14] and the National Farmers Union. [2:47:16] Explain that discrepancy to me. [2:47:19] Which rules? [2:47:20] I'm not tracking. [2:47:21] The Inclusive Competition [2:47:22] and Market Integrity Rule, [2:47:24] the Transparency [2:47:24] and Poultry Grower [2:47:25] Contracting [2:47:27] and Tournaments Rule, [2:47:28] and the Poultry Grower [2:47:29] Payment Systems [2:47:30] and Capital Improvement Systems Rules. [2:47:32] The Packers [2:47:33] and Stockyards, [2:47:34] I think, [2:47:34] is what you're talking about. [2:47:35] So we are executing [2:47:37] an additional review [2:47:38] on that. [2:47:39] I think that [2:47:40] the point is very well made, [2:47:42] that sometimes [2:47:42] that inures [2:47:43] to the benefit [2:47:43] of the larger corporations. [2:47:45] as I have begun [2:47:46] to make a larger case [2:47:48] and a more vigorous case [2:47:51] in the importance [2:47:52] of deconsolidation, [2:47:53] we'll be taking [2:47:54] a second look at that. [2:47:55] And I would love your input. [2:47:56] And I would very much [2:47:57] support deconsolidation. [2:47:59] Thank you. [2:48:00] Senator Houston. [2:48:03] Thank you, Chair Collins. [2:48:04] Thank you all [2:48:05] for being here today. [2:48:06] In my brief time [2:48:07] in the Senate, [2:48:08] I've learned [2:48:10] that we're really good [2:48:12] at embracing [2:48:12] our oversight role. [2:48:14] But oftentimes, [2:48:15] there are many people [2:48:16] who don't want to [2:48:17] do their jobs [2:48:18] in terms of [2:48:19] funding the government [2:48:20] on time [2:48:21] and actually doing [2:48:22] the work that we're [2:48:23] supposed to do [2:48:24] as appropriators. [2:48:26] And I'm not [2:48:27] for blank checks. [2:48:29] I believe everybody [2:48:29] should be accountable. [2:48:31] But I also believe [2:48:32] we should do our job. [2:48:33] And now, [2:48:34] we have a supplemental [2:48:36] funding request [2:48:37] that we're discussing today. [2:48:38] We're waiting [2:48:39] on getting an NDAA done. [2:48:41] Despite the Chair's [2:48:43] best efforts [2:48:45] to facilitate [2:48:46] forward [2:48:47] an appropriations process, [2:48:48] there's a question [2:48:49] of whether that [2:48:49] will get done [2:48:50] on time [2:48:50] in September. [2:48:53] And my question, [2:48:55] I'll start with you, [2:48:56] Secretary Hegseth, [2:48:57] just to talk a little bit [2:48:58] about what the consequences [2:49:00] of failure, [2:49:01] what this really means [2:49:02] to not do this on time. [2:49:04] Because I've talked [2:49:04] to defense contractors. [2:49:06] As a former executive, [2:49:09] a member of an executive branch, [2:49:11] I know that the legislative branch [2:49:13] often thinks, [2:49:13] well, [2:49:14] no matter when we get this done, [2:49:16] we just wave a magic wand, [2:49:17] we pass the bill, [2:49:18] and it all magically happens. [2:49:19] But that's not how it happens. [2:49:21] It takes time [2:49:22] for people to, [2:49:23] businesses out there [2:49:24] who you're going to rely on [2:49:26] to build these weapons systems [2:49:27] who don't know [2:49:28] if they're going to get paid. [2:49:29] They can't plan. [2:49:30] They can't staff up. [2:49:32] They can't order the equipment. [2:49:34] They can't do any of these things [2:49:35] unless they know [2:49:36] that the money's actually coming. [2:49:38] So what are the consequences [2:49:39] of not just doing this, [2:49:41] but doing it on time [2:49:42] in a timely manner? [2:49:44] Senator, thank you. [2:49:44] I think the consequences [2:49:45] of dysfunction [2:49:46] in funding this department [2:49:48] put at risk, [2:49:50] I think, [2:49:51] a first-time [2:49:52] in 25-, 30-year reform effort [2:49:54] to change how we do business [2:49:56] as a department. [2:49:57] We're going to war [2:49:58] with the Pentagon bureaucracy [2:49:59] because the bureaucracy [2:50:01] existed to defend [2:50:02] just a few systems [2:50:04] and processes and companies. [2:50:06] We need all of American industry [2:50:08] coming into our department. [2:50:09] And if you talk to industry, [2:50:11] they've never seen anything [2:50:12] like what our deputy secretary [2:50:13] and our department are doing right now [2:50:15] to run fast at speed. [2:50:16] But it counts on this body [2:50:19] and others funding this department [2:50:21] in a way that can fulfill [2:50:22] the deals that we're cutting [2:50:23] that saves the taxpayer [2:50:24] tens of billions of dollars [2:50:26] and gets weapons to warfighters [2:50:28] years and years faster [2:50:29] than we ever have in the past. [2:50:30] So without the funding, [2:50:31] we put at issue all those deals, [2:50:33] all the reforms, [2:50:35] all the ways in which [2:50:35] we're changing our department [2:50:36] to move at the speed of business. [2:50:38] So it's not just dollars and cents. [2:50:40] It's demand. [2:50:41] It's predictability. [2:50:43] It's showing industry. [2:50:45] We will meet you at this moment. [2:50:46] And if we can't get past [2:50:47] our dysfunction to fund the warfighter, [2:50:49] we put a lot of that at issue. [2:50:50] General Cain, same question [2:50:52] from a military point of view. [2:50:55] Not knowing if, [2:50:57] when the funding's going to come [2:50:59] and us not doing our job on time, [2:51:02] what are the consequences [2:51:03] to the warfighter? [2:51:05] Sure, I'll just add [2:51:06] to the secretary's comments. [2:51:08] You know, it'll manifest itself [2:51:09] in a range of ways, [2:51:11] readiness, capability, munitions, [2:51:14] training, cyber, unmanned autonomy. [2:51:20] This is why I'm really asking [2:51:22] for the Congress's help here, [2:51:24] for us to look forward [2:51:25] at the next couple ridgelines [2:51:27] and to be thoughtful [2:51:29] about the moves that we make here. [2:51:31] And I understand the environment [2:51:32] that we're operating in right now. [2:51:34] But whatever structure [2:51:37] the legislature [2:51:38] and the executive branch determine, [2:51:41] we need predictable capital. [2:51:44] My investor hat on [2:51:45] from my previous life [2:51:46] so that we can go out [2:51:48] and procure the capabilities [2:51:50] that we need before we need them. [2:51:52] And those things are changing. [2:51:55] You know, the advancement [2:51:56] of small drones [2:51:58] and things like that, [2:51:59] we're going to have to make sure [2:52:00] that we stay very close [2:52:02] with the Congress [2:52:02] so that as technology develops [2:52:05] at a speed [2:52:05] that we haven't seen before, [2:52:07] that we're staying very close [2:52:08] and partnering with the Congress [2:52:10] to enable us [2:52:11] to adaptively use that capital [2:52:13] with the appropriators' buy-in [2:52:15] so that we're arming [2:52:16] the force properly. [2:52:18] Well, I can tell you [2:52:19] in interacting with the people [2:52:21] who want to build [2:52:23] these new generation [2:52:24] of weapons systems [2:52:25] because I think you would agree [2:52:27] that we've learned a lot [2:52:28] from Ukraine. [2:52:29] We've learned a lot [2:52:29] from this conflict [2:52:30] about how we were underprepared [2:52:33] from the standpoint [2:52:35] and from a defense standpoint [2:52:38] and that we have to continue [2:52:40] to modernize our system [2:52:41] and the weapons systems. [2:52:43] I think it's very important [2:52:44] that we not only do our job [2:52:45] but we do it on time [2:52:46] because you cannot run [2:52:50] a Department of Defense, [2:52:53] run businesses [2:52:55] who are supplying these things [2:52:56] without knowing [2:52:57] if you're actually [2:52:58] going to get funded [2:52:58] because the whole supply chain, [2:53:00] the workforce, [2:53:01] everything gets held up [2:53:02] when we don't get [2:53:03] our jobs done on time. [2:53:04] Yes, sir. [2:53:05] I used to work [2:53:06] in the private sector [2:53:07] for a company [2:53:08] who was headquartered [2:53:09] in Piqua, Ohio [2:53:10] and those leaders told me [2:53:12] your entire J-O-B, [2:53:13] Dan Cain, [2:53:14] is to deliver quality parts [2:53:15] or in this case weapons [2:53:17] on time [2:53:18] with shorter lead times [2:53:19] and lower costs. [2:53:20] And part of why I'm so passionate [2:53:22] about this [2:53:23] is because I see [2:53:24] how this capital, [2:53:26] if the Congress chooses [2:53:27] to give it to us, [2:53:28] will manifest itself [2:53:29] in real combat capability, [2:53:31] lethality, [2:53:32] and survivability [2:53:33] for our joint force. [2:53:35] Thank you. [2:53:36] And thank you, [2:53:37] Secretary Rollins, [2:53:37] for coming to Ohio [2:53:38] and meeting [2:53:38] with all of our ag leaders. [2:53:40] It was great. [2:53:40] Thank you, Madam Chair. [2:53:41] Senator Gillip. [2:53:43] Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. [2:53:45] Secretary Hexeth, [2:53:46] you're requesting [2:53:48] billions of dollars [2:53:50] in supplemental funding [2:53:51] for a war [2:53:51] that you said [2:53:52] would last for weeks [2:53:53] and that the president [2:53:55] has no plan [2:53:56] or ability to end. [2:53:58] At the same time, [2:53:59] this still unauthorized [2:54:01] and extremely unpopular war [2:54:03] has caused gas, [2:54:05] diesel, [2:54:06] fertilizer, [2:54:07] and other essentials [2:54:08] that New Yorkers [2:54:10] and our farmers [2:54:11] need across the country [2:54:13] and has become [2:54:14] much more expensive. [2:54:16] So how do I go back [2:54:18] to New York [2:54:18] and what would you say [2:54:20] to them [2:54:20] who are seeing [2:54:23] their health care bills rise [2:54:24] because massive cuts [2:54:26] to Medicaid, [2:54:28] they've seen their [2:54:28] grocery and gas bills rise [2:54:31] and this unpopular [2:54:33] and unauthorized war abroad [2:54:35] is a higher priority [2:54:36] to this administration [2:54:37] than their ability [2:54:39] to feed their families [2:54:40] and provide health care [2:54:42] to their loved ones [2:54:43] who are sick? [2:54:46] Well, Senator, [2:54:47] you're talking about [2:54:47] political trade-offs [2:54:48] and our job is to deliver [2:54:50] for the United States military [2:54:51] and the president [2:54:51] of the United States [2:54:52] and we look at the cost [2:54:53] of a nuclear Iran [2:54:55] and we want to prevent [2:54:56] that for future generations [2:54:57] and that requires funding [2:54:58] and supplementals [2:54:59] and this budget [2:55:00] and next generation capabilities [2:55:02] and that's why we're here today [2:55:03] to request some of that [2:55:04] to ensure we can ensure [2:55:05] that Iran never gets [2:55:06] a nuclear weapon. [2:55:06] So you're essentially saying [2:55:08] you're asking for [2:55:09] literally $1.5 trillion [2:55:11] for a war [2:55:12] that President Trump [2:55:13] said he already won. [2:55:15] You're asking for [2:55:15] $1.5 trillion [2:55:17] unlimited money [2:55:18] for bombs [2:55:19] but insufficient money [2:55:21] in the American [2:55:21] for the American people [2:55:23] for their health care [2:55:24] their food [2:55:25] their housing [2:55:25] and our farmers [2:55:26] Secretary Rollins [2:55:29] who we have cut [2:55:31] SNAP program [2:55:32] we are not funding [2:55:34] the losses [2:55:35] from emergencies [2:55:38] that have happened [2:55:39] in blue states [2:55:40] particularly [2:55:40] when we had frost [2:55:42] That's not true. [2:55:43] False. [2:55:43] You're not funding it [2:55:44] but back to you [2:55:45] Secretary Hegseth [2:55:46] And I would like to respond [2:55:47] to the fertilizer [2:55:48] and the gas. [2:55:49] Secretary Hegseth [2:55:51] There's no reason to be rude. [2:55:52] You are asking [2:55:53] for unlimited money [2:55:54] for bombs [2:55:55] when people can't [2:55:56] feed their families [2:55:57] and I don't know [2:55:58] how this administration [2:55:59] intends to defend [2:56:00] those decisions [2:56:01] to the American people. [2:56:03] Not unlimited bombs [2:56:04] Senator [2:56:05] I'm asking for the right bombs [2:56:06] at the right time [2:56:07] to ensure we can deter [2:56:08] our adversaries [2:56:08] into the future [2:56:09] and that's why [2:56:09] this is a generational investment [2:56:11] and it was the previous administration [2:56:13] The reason why people [2:56:13] are so upset [2:56:15] The reason why [2:56:16] they are so upset [2:56:17] with you [2:56:18] and this administration [2:56:19] is because the words [2:56:20] you have used [2:56:21] in the past [2:56:22] don't add up [2:56:23] about Iran specifically [2:56:25] You said [2:56:26] that we had obliterated [2:56:28] quote unquote [2:56:28] Iran's ability [2:56:29] to create nuclear weapons [2:56:30] The president made [2:56:31] the same claim [2:56:32] Yet eight months later [2:56:34] in February of 2026 [2:56:35] the president launched [2:56:36] an act of war [2:56:37] claiming Iran [2:56:38] was within two weeks [2:56:39] of having a weapon [2:56:40] So when you say [2:56:42] two very different things [2:56:43] the American people [2:56:44] don't know who to believe [2:56:45] or what to believe [2:56:46] They just know [2:56:47] they can't afford [2:56:47] their health care [2:56:48] They can't afford [2:56:49] their food [2:56:50] They can't afford housing [2:56:51] and our farmers [2:56:52] are continuing to suffer [2:56:53] So, which is true [2:56:55] Was it obliterated [2:56:56] or wasn't it? [2:56:58] What's the status? [2:56:59] The nuclear sites [2:57:00] under Midnight Hammer [2:57:01] were obliterated [2:57:02] but Iranians foolishly [2:57:04] continued to attempt [2:57:05] to pursue nuclear capabilities [2:57:07] which is why [2:57:07] we destroyed [2:57:08] their defense industrial base [2:57:09] and so many of [2:57:10] the other capabilities [2:57:11] to ensure they can't [2:57:12] get to a nuclear weapon [2:57:13] See, we're staying [2:57:14] laser focused [2:57:15] on the objective [2:57:15] and you're trying [2:57:16] to make campaign commercials [2:57:17] No, we're not [2:57:18] And that's fine [2:57:18] So listen to this [2:57:19] You also say [2:57:20] that you made [2:57:21] the missile program [2:57:24] quote, destroyed [2:57:25] and made combat ineffective [2:57:26] quote, Iran's entire [2:57:28] ballistic missile [2:57:29] production capacity [2:57:30] every company [2:57:31] that builds [2:57:31] every component [2:57:32] of those missiles [2:57:33] has been functionally [2:57:34] defeated and destroyed [2:57:35] and that the missile program [2:57:36] existing stockpiles [2:57:38] were depleted [2:57:38] and decimated [2:57:39] almost completely ineffective [2:57:40] So why are there missiles left [2:57:42] to hit Jordan [2:57:43] and result in the loss of life [2:57:45] of our brave men and women? [2:57:48] As we stated from the beginning [2:57:49] the Iranian defense industrial base [2:57:51] is effectively gone [2:57:52] but they do have [2:57:53] underground facilities [2:57:54] because they're the world's [2:57:56] leading state sponsor [2:57:57] of terrorism [2:57:57] and they've spent 47 years [2:57:59] trying to hide their missiles [2:58:00] under mountains [2:58:01] just like their [2:58:01] nuclear capabilities [2:58:03] because they would like [2:58:04] to get a nuclear weapon [2:58:05] I don't know what version [2:58:06] of the war to believe [2:58:08] because it's either [2:58:09] over or it's not over [2:58:10] it's within two weeks [2:58:11] or it's not two weeks [2:58:12] we have no missiles [2:58:13] or we have missiles [2:58:14] and that consternation [2:58:16] is why so many New Yorkers [2:58:18] are perplexed [2:58:19] stressed out [2:58:20] and find this war [2:58:21] to be incredibly unpopular [2:58:22] because they don't understand [2:58:24] the choices [2:58:24] that the president's making [2:58:25] they don't agree [2:58:26] with those choices [2:58:27] Secretary Rollins [2:58:29] so you have cut [2:58:30] over 160,000 New Yorkers [2:58:33] have been kicked off SNAP [2:58:34] what do you have against [2:58:35] hardworking New Yorkers [2:58:37] children who need SNAP [2:58:38] and seniors who need SNAP [2:58:39] well first of all [2:58:40] diesel is down [2:58:41] under Biden versus today [2:58:44] 581 versus 480 [2:58:45] gas is down [2:58:47] from Biden today [2:58:48] from 484 to 386 today [2:58:50] fertilizer is down [2:58:52] 56% from Biden highs [2:58:54] prices are higher [2:58:56] than when you took office [2:58:57] all of those prices [2:58:58] are higher [2:58:59] than when you took office [2:59:00] so you are not [2:59:01] making life better [2:59:02] for New York farmers [2:59:02] that is not true [2:59:03] that is not true Senator [2:59:03] and let me tell you [2:59:04] what New York [2:59:04] is stressed out about [2:59:05] is the fact that [2:59:06] your state is taking [2:59:07] prime farmland [2:59:08] and turning it [2:59:09] into a solar farms [2:59:10] that is absolutely [2:59:12] inexcusable [2:59:13] for do you to stay [2:59:14] I have visited [2:59:15] the New York farmers [2:59:16] two times [2:59:17] two times in upstate New York [2:59:19] Senator Bozeman [2:59:23] thank you Madam Chair [2:59:26] very much [2:59:26] and thank all of you [2:59:28] all for your service [2:59:29] to our country [2:59:30] and our national security [2:59:32] and I think it's easy [2:59:34] for the public [2:59:34] to understand [2:59:35] how you [2:59:36] Mr. Hagseth [2:59:39] are you know [2:59:40] your contribution [2:59:42] and the position [2:59:43] you're in [2:59:43] in general [2:59:44] came the position [2:59:45] you're in [2:59:46] but some don't understand [2:59:48] the position [2:59:50] that our secretary [2:59:51] of agriculture is in [2:59:53] I gave a presentation [2:59:54] a couple years ago [2:59:55] when Senator Rubio [2:59:57] then Senator Rubio [2:59:58] was over here [2:59:59] in the middle of it [3:00:00] I was talking [3:00:00] about agriculture [3:00:01] you punched me [3:00:01] and said [3:00:02] John [3:00:02] always tell them [3:00:04] food security [3:00:05] is national security [3:00:06] now Senator Cotton [3:00:07] who's head [3:00:08] of the intelligence [3:00:09] committee now [3:00:10] has taken his place [3:00:11] he's doing the same thing [3:00:12] so again [3:00:13] what we're talking [3:00:14] about today [3:00:15] is very very important [3:00:16] to our country [3:00:17] right now [3:00:20] we're in a [3:00:21] generational crisis [3:00:22] our banks [3:00:24] our economists [3:00:26] tell us [3:00:26] that if we don't [3:00:27] start doing things [3:00:28] differently [3:00:29] and the good news [3:00:29] is the administration [3:00:31] is doing things [3:00:32] differently [3:00:33] we're going to lose [3:00:36] 20-25% of our farmers [3:00:38] in the next two [3:00:39] or three years [3:00:39] this is almost daily [3:00:42] with farmers [3:00:43] about the difficult [3:00:44] farm economy [3:00:45] live fires [3:00:47] flooding [3:00:47] all the things [3:00:49] we've talked about [3:00:50] today [3:00:50] my only concern [3:00:52] is [3:00:52] is that the [3:00:53] supplemental [3:00:54] is very much [3:00:55] appreciated [3:00:56] after hearing [3:00:57] the testimony [3:00:58] today [3:00:58] and the concerns [3:00:59] we might need [3:01:01] to look at [3:01:02] bumping that up [3:01:03] a little bit [3:01:04] but again [3:01:05] that's [3:01:05] we'll discuss [3:01:06] that later [3:01:07] the supplemental [3:01:10] though [3:01:11] the supplemental [3:01:11] assistance [3:01:12] is important [3:01:13] in keeping [3:01:14] our farmers [3:01:15] going [3:01:15] but it's not [3:01:16] the answer [3:01:16] will you just [3:01:17] reiterate again [3:01:18] what we're trying [3:01:19] to do [3:01:20] we're trying [3:01:20] to give farmers [3:01:21] a bump [3:01:23] an edge [3:01:23] to keep going [3:01:25] until the programs [3:01:27] that we're putting [3:01:27] in place now [3:01:28] kick in [3:01:29] you mentioned [3:01:30] fertilizer [3:01:31] you mentioned [3:01:31] E15 [3:01:32] you mentioned [3:01:33] value adding [3:01:34] our products [3:01:35] both overseas [3:01:36] finding new markets [3:01:37] can you talk [3:01:38] a little bit [3:01:38] about that [3:01:39] the importance [3:01:40] of not only [3:01:41] the supplemental [3:01:41] but again [3:01:42] what we're doing [3:01:44] in conjunction [3:01:44] with that [3:01:45] so we won't [3:01:46] have supplementals [3:01:46] in the future [3:01:47] that's exactly right [3:01:48] the effort [3:01:49] to bring the cost [3:01:50] of inputs down [3:01:51] is real [3:01:51] fertilizer [3:01:53] seed [3:01:54] labor [3:01:54] interest rates [3:01:57] etc [3:01:57] number one [3:01:58] and if we can [3:01:59] just get inputs [3:01:59] back down [3:02:00] to where they [3:02:00] were in [3:02:01] trump one [3:02:01] we're going [3:02:02] to have [3:02:02] a remarkable [3:02:03] recovery [3:02:04] in farm [3:02:05] company [3:02:05] country [3:02:05] but then you [3:02:06] add that [3:02:07] to the 19 [3:02:08] new trade [3:02:08] deals [3:02:09] more coming [3:02:10] online [3:02:10] every day [3:02:11] the record [3:02:12] breaking exports [3:02:13] that we're going [3:02:14] to see in a lot [3:02:15] of our row crops [3:02:15] but also in dairy [3:02:17] and tree nuts [3:02:18] and others [3:02:18] that's going [3:02:18] to be a game [3:02:19] changer [3:02:19] then you look [3:02:20] at expanding [3:02:21] the domestic [3:02:21] market [3:02:22] as you talk [3:02:23] about whether [3:02:23] E15 [3:02:24] obviously all [3:02:25] of the biofuels [3:02:26] we've already [3:02:27] seen corn [3:02:27] and wheat [3:02:28] hit record highs [3:02:29] or the highest [3:02:30] number for the [3:02:31] year [3:02:31] after announcing [3:02:32] the new [3:02:33] renewable fuel [3:02:33] standard [3:02:34] so we're seeing [3:02:35] some pretty [3:02:35] incredible movement [3:02:36] in the right [3:02:37] direction [3:02:37] then you marry [3:02:38] that to all [3:02:39] of your work [3:02:39] under the working [3:02:40] families tax cut [3:02:41] act [3:02:41] the new reference [3:02:42] prices that under [3:02:43] the last [3:02:44] administration [3:02:44] couldn't get a [3:02:45] farm bill [3:02:45] you all did [3:02:46] that with the [3:02:47] president's leadership [3:02:48] the first time [3:02:49] we're going to [3:02:49] increase reference [3:02:50] prices in more [3:02:51] than a decade [3:02:52] combined with [3:02:53] a 250 billion [3:02:54] investment in [3:02:55] rural America [3:02:56] the largest [3:02:57] investment in [3:02:58] rural America [3:02:59] in American [3:02:59] history [3:03:00] this congress [3:03:02] did that [3:03:02] with the white [3:03:03] house's leadership [3:03:04] all of that [3:03:05] together [3:03:05] is going to [3:03:06] change the [3:03:07] trajectory [3:03:07] for the long [3:03:08] term of farming [3:03:10] and ranching [3:03:10] in America [3:03:11] but to get to [3:03:12] that point [3:03:12] that's why [3:03:13] the supplemental [3:03:13] is so very [3:03:14] very important [3:03:15] Madam Secretary [3:03:17] I have a letter [3:03:18] from Farm Bureau [3:03:19] that I want to [3:03:20] put into the [3:03:20] record that [3:03:21] just outlines [3:03:22] requesting relief [3:03:24] to sustain [3:03:24] America's farmers [3:03:25] and ranchers [3:03:26] Secretary [3:03:30] Hegseth [3:03:31] General Cain [3:03:33] one of the [3:03:36] things that [3:03:37] we're concerned [3:03:37] about is that [3:03:38] in the military [3:03:41] construction [3:03:42] aspect of things [3:03:43] we're really [3:03:44] not asking [3:03:45] for that [3:03:45] in the [3:03:47] supplemental [3:03:47] I know that [3:03:49] the success [3:03:51] of Operation [3:03:52] Epic Fury [3:03:52] particularly for [3:03:55] our missile [3:03:55] interceptors [3:03:56] and short-range [3:03:57] aircraft [3:03:57] really [3:03:59] basing was a [3:04:00] large part [3:04:00] of that [3:04:01] can you tell us [3:04:03] how we can help [3:04:03] you again [3:04:05] try and [3:04:06] plus up our [3:04:07] military construction [3:04:08] in some way [3:04:11] so that we're not [3:04:12] going to be faced [3:04:13] with this in the [3:04:13] future [3:04:14] trying to double up [3:04:15] Senator I think [3:04:16] by Congress [3:04:18] finding the ability [3:04:19] to meet up to [3:04:20] close to [3:04:21] the totality [3:04:22] of 1.5 trillion [3:04:23] means we're not [3:04:24] making the kind [3:04:25] of trade-offs [3:04:25] this department [3:04:26] has made now [3:04:26] for decades [3:04:27] those are the types [3:04:28] of things [3:04:28] construction [3:04:29] maintenance [3:04:30] that fall off [3:04:31] when trade-offs [3:04:32] occur [3:04:32] and so you dig [3:04:33] the hole even [3:04:34] deeper [3:04:34] and what this [3:04:35] budget does [3:04:36] first of all [3:04:36] it fully funds [3:04:37] the UPL list [3:04:38] which is the [3:04:38] unfunded priority list [3:04:39] of PACOM [3:04:40] a priority theater [3:04:41] and then it gets [3:04:42] at every single [3:04:43] substandard barrack [3:04:44] that we have [3:04:44] across the department [3:04:45] so we're funding [3:04:47] the military [3:04:48] construction [3:04:48] in a way [3:04:48] that we've never [3:04:49] done before [3:04:49] to get out [3:04:50] of the hole [3:04:50] that we've had [3:04:51] for a while [3:04:52] very good [3:04:52] thank you [3:04:53] madam chair [3:04:53] thank you [3:04:56] senator bozeman [3:04:57] to the very patient [3:04:59] senator baldwin [3:05:01] thank you [3:05:02] madam chair [3:05:03] and madam vice [3:05:04] chair [3:05:04] and thank you [3:05:06] for appearing [3:05:07] before our [3:05:08] committee today [3:05:09] to many I [3:05:13] represent [3:05:13] and to me [3:05:14] this supplemental [3:05:16] request [3:05:17] is another [3:05:19] example [3:05:20] of this [3:05:20] administration's [3:05:21] misplaced [3:05:22] priorities [3:05:23] instead of [3:05:25] spending [3:05:26] tens of [3:05:26] billion dollars [3:05:27] more [3:05:28] for this [3:05:29] president's [3:05:30] war of choice [3:05:31] in Iran [3:05:33] that both [3:05:34] houses of [3:05:35] congress [3:05:35] I may add [3:05:36] have voted [3:05:37] to end [3:05:37] absent explicit [3:05:38] authorization [3:05:39] by congress [3:05:41] we should be [3:05:43] focusing on the [3:05:44] needs of [3:05:44] American families [3:05:45] we could invest [3:05:48] this money [3:05:48] to accelerate [3:05:49] new cures [3:05:49] and treatments [3:05:50] for cancer [3:05:51] and Alzheimer's [3:05:52] we could use [3:05:53] it to help [3:05:54] more families [3:05:54] with rising [3:05:55] home energy [3:05:57] costs [3:05:57] we could use [3:05:59] this funding [3:05:59] to help more [3:06:00] families afford [3:06:01] quality child care [3:06:02] we could use [3:06:03] this funding [3:06:04] to help more [3:06:04] kids get [3:06:05] free school [3:06:06] lunch [3:06:07] we could use [3:06:09] this funding [3:06:09] to restore [3:06:10] health care [3:06:10] for working [3:06:11] families [3:06:11] we could use [3:06:12] this funding [3:06:13] to support [3:06:14] our public [3:06:15] schools [3:06:15] and special [3:06:16] education [3:06:17] this is [3:06:20] a war [3:06:20] of choice [3:06:21] and every [3:06:22] dollar spent [3:06:23] on this war [3:06:24] is a dollar [3:06:25] not spent [3:06:27] helping families [3:06:28] afford housing [3:06:29] health care [3:06:31] groceries [3:06:31] child care [3:06:33] at home [3:06:33] investing in the [3:06:35] opportunities [3:06:36] for the [3:06:37] American people [3:06:37] first I want [3:06:41] to express [3:06:41] my condolences [3:06:42] and my respect [3:06:44] for the 17 [3:06:46] American service [3:06:46] members killed [3:06:47] in this war [3:06:48] since February [3:06:49] including three [3:06:51] over the past [3:06:52] few days [3:06:53] their lives [3:06:55] are the price [3:06:56] this country [3:06:57] has paid [3:06:57] for this war [3:06:58] the deadliest [3:07:01] day for U.S. [3:07:03] forces was [3:07:04] on March 1st [3:07:06] when an Iranian [3:07:07] drone struck [3:07:09] an army facility [3:07:10] at Port Shweiba [3:07:11] Kuwait [3:07:12] killing six [3:07:14] soldiers [3:07:15] and injuring [3:07:16] more than 30 [3:07:17] others including [3:07:18] soldiers from [3:07:19] Wisconsin [3:07:20] soldiers from [3:07:23] the unit [3:07:23] stationed at [3:07:24] Port Shweiba [3:07:25] told reporters [3:07:26] that the facility [3:07:27] did not have [3:07:28] adequate air [3:07:30] defense capabilities [3:07:32] these soldiers [3:07:34] and their families [3:07:35] believe they were [3:07:36] sent into harm's [3:07:37] way without [3:07:38] the defenses [3:07:39] they needed [3:07:40] Secretary [3:07:41] Hegseth [3:07:42] what would you say [3:07:44] to those soldiers [3:07:44] and their families [3:07:46] first of all [3:07:48] that we [3:07:48] honor and recognize [3:07:50] their sacrifice [3:07:51] and what they've given [3:07:51] I've been in touch [3:07:52] with at least one [3:07:53] of those families [3:07:54] on a regular basis [3:07:55] and understand [3:07:56] the pain of losing [3:07:57] a loved one [3:07:58] is unfathomable [3:07:58] which is why [3:07:59] we greeted them [3:08:00] at Dover [3:08:01] and we'll greet [3:08:01] those again [3:08:02] tomorrow [3:08:03] I would say [3:08:04] in talking to [3:08:05] Admiral Cooper [3:08:06] the CENTCOM commander [3:08:07] before all of this [3:08:08] was undertaken [3:08:08] maximizing defensive [3:08:10] capabilities [3:08:11] mostly by moving [3:08:12] as many people [3:08:13] as possible [3:08:13] off the X [3:08:14] which we did [3:08:14] in historic fashion [3:08:15] moving almost 90% [3:08:17] of Americans [3:08:17] in theaters [3:08:18] off of where [3:08:19] they could be a target [3:08:20] first of all [3:08:21] bunkers that they [3:08:22] would move into [3:08:22] early warning [3:08:23] and I will quote [3:08:26] from the Washington [3:08:27] Post article [3:08:27] of July 12th [3:08:29] Schweba [3:08:30] this is a quote [3:08:31] Schweba did not [3:08:32] have any of the [3:08:33] systems that would [3:08:34] take down the [3:08:34] one-way attack [3:08:35] Shahed drones [3:08:36] and initial [3:08:38] security assessments [3:08:39] found that the [3:08:41] base was not [3:08:42] adequately protected [3:08:43] end quote [3:08:44] soldiers at [3:08:46] Port Schweba [3:08:47] have also been [3:08:48] quoted in news [3:08:49] reports saying [3:08:49] that requests [3:08:51] requests for [3:08:51] additional medical [3:08:52] and drone [3:08:54] defense systems [3:08:54] were denied [3:08:55] prior to the [3:08:57] conflict with [3:08:58] Iran beginning [3:08:59] why were those [3:09:00] requests denied [3:09:01] Secretary Hegseth [3:09:02] I would I would [3:09:03] confer with [3:09:04] Admiral Cooper [3:09:04] but there were [3:09:05] not a single [3:09:06] drone or defense [3:09:07] request denied [3:09:08] at any level [3:09:09] that I'm aware of [3:09:10] we did everything [3:09:11] we could to move [3:09:11] heaven in every [3:09:12] single location [3:09:13] to protect every [3:09:14] single American [3:09:15] we possibly could [3:09:15] Washington Post [3:09:17] also quoted a [3:09:18] soldier saying [3:09:18] that the unit's [3:09:20] request for an [3:09:21] Eagles drone [3:09:22] defense system [3:09:23] was denied [3:09:25] because of [3:09:25] lack of assets [3:09:27] that's an [3:09:28] end quote [3:09:28] U.S. Army [3:09:31] Central has [3:09:31] conducted an [3:09:32] investigation into [3:09:33] that attack [3:09:34] do you commit [3:09:35] to releasing the [3:09:36] findings of that [3:09:37] investigation publicly [3:09:38] yes or no [3:09:39] I will work with [3:10:00] Admiral Cooper [3:10:00] to make sure it's [3:10:01] handled properly [3:10:01] yes Senator [3:10:02] thank you [3:10:03] Secretary Hegseth [3:10:06] I traveled to [3:10:06] Walter Reed [3:10:08] Military Hospital [3:10:09] and met with [3:10:09] soldiers who were [3:10:11] injured in that [3:10:12] attack [3:10:13] what they told me [3:10:15] confirmed what [3:10:16] other soldiers have [3:10:17] said publicly [3:10:18] that most of these [3:10:19] soldiers injured in [3:10:21] the attack did not [3:10:22] receive proper medical [3:10:23] care in Kuwait [3:10:24] in Germany [3:10:26] or during their [3:10:27] initial days back [3:10:28] in the U.S. [3:10:29] the U.S. military [3:10:30] has been fighting wars [3:10:32] in the Middle East [3:10:32] for 25 years [3:10:34] why was proper medical [3:10:36] care not immediately [3:10:37] available to these [3:10:39] injured soldiers [3:10:40] soldiers and why [3:10:41] were they not [3:10:41] immediately screened [3:10:43] for traumatic [3:10:44] brain injuries [3:10:45] I'm not taking [3:10:48] issue with the [3:10:49] characterization of [3:10:50] individual soldiers [3:10:50] but I would argue [3:10:51] that every effort [3:10:53] was made to provide [3:10:54] every level of [3:10:54] medical care possible [3:10:55] understanding how [3:10:57] CENTCOM operates [3:10:57] the senator's time [3:10:59] has expired [3:11:00] and there is a [3:11:01] vote on [3:11:02] Senator Capito [3:11:03] thank you madam [3:11:04] chair thank you all [3:11:05] for being here [3:11:05] thank you for service [3:11:07] I want to begin [3:11:08] because the last time [3:11:08] that I saw you [3:11:09] Secretary Headset [3:11:10] and General Kane [3:11:11] was at the Pentagon [3:11:12] when you honored [3:11:14] Andrew Wolf [3:11:15] who was attacked [3:11:17] here in D.C. [3:11:19] in November [3:11:19] and then the honor [3:11:21] that you have given [3:11:22] to Sarah Beckstrom [3:11:23] and her family [3:11:24] who lost her life [3:11:25] that day as well [3:11:26] I think that [3:11:28] I know that you've [3:11:29] been in constant [3:11:29] contact with Andrew [3:11:31] and his family [3:11:32] and you also know [3:11:33] that the great faith [3:11:34] that they have [3:11:35] in the Lord above [3:11:37] is what's really [3:11:38] brought them [3:11:38] to the point [3:11:39] where they are now [3:11:40] so let's keep them [3:11:41] all in his prayer [3:11:41] I'm interested in [3:11:43] Senator Baldwin's [3:11:43] question because [3:11:45] I do have a soldier [3:11:45] from West Virginia [3:11:46] who is making [3:11:47] a very similar complaint [3:11:48] so whatever follow-up [3:11:50] we can do [3:11:50] I would like to do that [3:11:51] I'd also like to [3:11:53] recognize the three [3:11:53] most recent [3:11:54] service member [3:11:56] that we lost [3:11:57] because we talk [3:11:57] about them as [3:11:58] service members [3:11:58] and soldiers [3:11:59] but I haven't heard [3:12:00] them say their name [3:12:01] and they're so young [3:12:02] First Lieutenant [3:12:03] Tyler James Freehand [3:12:04] Private Isabella [3:12:06] Gonzalez [3:12:06] and Sergeant Michael [3:12:08] Swinton [3:12:09] you will be [3:12:10] I guess [3:12:12] greeting their [3:12:13] families [3:12:13] and unfortunately [3:12:15] their caskets [3:12:16] as they come [3:12:16] forward tomorrow [3:12:18] so my question [3:12:20] is [3:12:21] we've heard a lot [3:12:22] about why [3:12:24] we shouldn't [3:12:24] be [3:12:25] voting for this [3:12:27] supplemental [3:12:27] or questions [3:12:28] as to [3:12:28] is that really [3:12:30] necessary [3:12:30] or why [3:12:31] I guess [3:12:31] my question [3:12:32] General Cain [3:12:33] is [3:12:33] what's the [3:12:34] consequence [3:12:35] of not [3:12:36] passing [3:12:36] this [3:12:36] supplemental [3:12:37] where do [3:12:37] you see [3:12:38] that [3:12:38] hitting [3:12:39] us [3:12:40] most [3:12:40] deeply [3:12:40] yes ma'am [3:12:42] it [3:12:43] it will [3:12:44] manifest [3:12:44] itself [3:12:45] in a few [3:12:46] different [3:12:46] places [3:12:47] most [3:12:47] significantly [3:12:48] it'll be [3:12:49] in military [3:12:50] personnel [3:12:50] related matters [3:12:51] we'll figure [3:12:52] out how to [3:12:52] pay [3:12:53] soldiers [3:12:54] and sailors [3:12:54] but that [3:12:55] that would [3:12:55] be a strain [3:12:56] operations [3:12:57] and maintenance [3:12:58] costs [3:12:58] and then [3:12:59] the ability [3:12:59] for the [3:13:00] department [3:13:01] to take [3:13:01] some of [3:13:02] this [3:13:02] capital [3:13:03] and wisely [3:13:03] invest it [3:13:04] in future [3:13:04] combat capability [3:13:05] and things [3:13:06] like AI [3:13:07] UAS [3:13:08] counter UAS [3:13:09] hypersonics [3:13:10] and space [3:13:10] so not only [3:13:12] would it hit us [3:13:12] today but it [3:13:13] could hit us [3:13:14] tomorrow as well [3:13:15] yes ma'am [3:13:15] I actually view [3:13:17] this [3:13:17] as forward [3:13:19] looking [3:13:20] as we look [3:13:20] at the future [3:13:21] picture and the [3:13:22] various risks [3:13:23] that we're facing [3:13:24] the supplemental [3:13:25] and the budget [3:13:26] frankly [3:13:27] help to ensure [3:13:29] that we are [3:13:30] properly arming [3:13:31] the joint force [3:13:31] for the myriad [3:13:32] of potential [3:13:33] contingencies [3:13:34] that we face [3:13:34] in the future [3:13:35] thank you [3:13:36] so as we look [3:13:38] at one of the [3:13:38] I think best [3:13:39] successes [3:13:40] under your [3:13:41] all's leadership [3:13:42] at the department [3:13:43] of war [3:13:43] has been the [3:13:44] the fulfillment [3:13:46] of the recruit [3:13:47] recruitment [3:13:47] in every branch [3:13:48] I remember [3:13:50] last year [3:13:51] I think [3:13:51] or maybe the year [3:13:52] before only the [3:13:52] marines could brag [3:13:53] that they had [3:13:54] had made their [3:13:55] records [3:13:55] and now I think [3:13:56] that many [3:13:57] many [3:13:58] the other branches [3:13:59] are you're far [3:14:00] exceeding what [3:14:01] has previously [3:14:02] done [3:14:02] so that tells me [3:14:04] that American [3:14:06] young men and [3:14:06] women want to [3:14:07] serve their country [3:14:08] they want to be [3:14:09] safe [3:14:10] they want to do [3:14:10] the right thing [3:14:11] so how does [3:14:13] not funding [3:14:14] them [3:14:15] and if they think [3:14:16] that if they think [3:14:17] that their salaries [3:14:18] may be short [3:14:19] or we're going to [3:14:20] have a continuing [3:14:20] resolution [3:14:21] or we're going to [3:14:21] shut down the [3:14:22] government [3:14:22] how can this chill [3:14:24] what has been one [3:14:25] of the greatest [3:14:25] successes I think [3:14:26] in terms of not [3:14:27] just today's force [3:14:28] but the force [3:14:29] of the future [3:14:30] and Mr. Secretary [3:14:31] I'll ask you [3:14:32] to answer that [3:14:32] question [3:14:32] well in a [3:14:33] brass tax sense [3:14:35] this $1.5 trillion [3:14:36] budget in its [3:14:37] totality sees a [3:14:38] 7% pay raise [3:14:40] for junior enlisted [3:14:41] 6% for your [3:14:43] NCOs and junior [3:14:44] officers [3:14:45] and 5% for senior [3:14:46] officers [3:14:47] so it's significant [3:14:48] reflection of the [3:14:49] value we place [3:14:49] on top of the [3:14:50] other increases [3:14:51] that Congress [3:14:52] has provided them [3:14:53] if we were to [3:14:54] have to [3:14:54] and we're going [3:14:55] to do right by [3:14:55] the troops [3:14:56] we're going to [3:14:56] make sure they [3:14:56] get paid [3:14:57] but it's going [3:14:57] to put strains [3:14:58] on training [3:14:59] and readiness [3:14:59] and all the [3:15:00] other aspects [3:15:01] of O&M [3:15:01] over time [3:15:03] which makes [3:15:03] its way down [3:15:04] to the unit [3:15:04] level [3:15:05] when you're [3:15:06] saying we're [3:15:07] focused on [3:15:07] training and [3:15:08] readiness and [3:15:09] lethality but [3:15:10] we have to cut [3:15:10] back on training [3:15:11] because Congress [3:15:12] can't get the [3:15:13] money we need [3:15:13] to the department [3:15:14] that's discouraging [3:15:15] at every single [3:15:16] level and when [3:15:17] young men and [3:15:18] women join this [3:15:19] war department [3:15:20] we want them [3:15:21] moving immediately [3:15:22] into the training [3:15:22] pipeline at the [3:15:23] highest possible [3:15:24] level with the [3:15:24] best possible [3:15:25] equipment and [3:15:26] they've seen [3:15:26] that thus far [3:15:27] and that's led [3:15:28] to historic [3:15:29] recruiting momentum [3:15:31] we need to keep [3:15:32] that momentum [3:15:33] yeah and I would [3:15:33] say that it could [3:15:34] have the reverse [3:15:35] effect if this [3:15:37] is troubled [3:15:37] waters here [3:15:38] and lack of [3:15:40] confidence which [3:15:41] we see on the [3:15:41] other side of [3:15:42] the aisle there [3:15:42] and questions [3:15:44] that I think [3:15:44] wouldn't be asked [3:15:46] if it were not [3:15:47] of a political [3:15:48] nature we're [3:15:49] going to chill [3:15:49] our recruiting [3:15:50] efforts here [3:15:51] for our young [3:15:52] people as they [3:15:53] look forward to [3:15:53] serving their [3:15:54] country and [3:15:54] becoming that [3:15:55] patriot they want [3:15:56] to be [3:15:56] you're right or [3:15:57] return to the [3:15:57] valley under the [3:15:58] Biden administration [3:15:59] where not only did [3:15:59] they not meet the [3:16:00] goals but they had [3:16:01] to lower the goals [3:16:02] and then didn't meet [3:16:03] the lowered goals [3:16:03] and then now we're [3:16:04] we don't have the [3:16:05] readiness we need as [3:16:06] a force [3:16:06] thank you very much [3:16:07] thank you all very [3:16:08] much thank you [3:16:08] secretary agricultures [3:16:09] I'll get to you [3:16:10] another time thank [3:16:11] you [3:16:11] senator murphy [3:16:14] thank you all for [3:16:15] being here today [3:16:16] secretary hegseth [3:16:17] the american people [3:16:19] either didn't want [3:16:20] this war from the [3:16:21] start or were [3:16:22] deeply skeptical [3:16:23] of this war [3:16:24] because they have [3:16:25] seen this country [3:16:26] make the same [3:16:27] mistake over and [3:16:28] over again in wars [3:16:29] in the middle east [3:16:30] and that is to [3:16:31] create either [3:16:32] unrealistic or [3:16:33] open-ended [3:16:34] objectives [3:16:35] you said in [3:16:37] march that the [3:16:37] united states [3:16:38] was quote [3:16:38] on plan to [3:16:39] defeat [3:16:40] destroy and [3:16:41] disable all [3:16:42] of iran's [3:16:43] meaningful military [3:16:44] capabilities at a [3:16:45] pace that would [3:16:46] that we the world [3:16:47] has never seen [3:16:48] before [3:16:48] obviously as we've [3:16:50] discussed here [3:16:50] today that objective [3:16:52] has not been [3:16:54] achieved and is not [3:16:55] going to be [3:16:56] achieved [3:16:56] iran is adept [3:16:59] more adept than [3:17:00] even at the start [3:17:01] of the war at [3:17:02] hiding their [3:17:03] capabilities or [3:17:04] repairing after [3:17:05] damage we have [3:17:06] done [3:17:06] there's an open [3:17:08] report that [3:17:09] when it comes to [3:17:11] their missile sites [3:17:12] along the strait of [3:17:12] formus [3:17:13] 30 of 33 are [3:17:15] still operational [3:17:16] i wouldn't believe [3:17:17] all the open [3:17:17] reports senator [3:17:18] but i've also heard [3:17:19] you say in this [3:17:20] hearing that [3:17:22] the objectives [3:17:23] now seem to be [3:17:24] more limited [3:17:25] than they were at [3:17:26] the outset of the [3:17:27] war that this is [3:17:29] about reopening the [3:17:30] strait and this is [3:17:31] about dismantling [3:17:32] their nuclear [3:17:32] capability and the [3:17:34] president of course [3:17:35] has said himself [3:17:35] that he thinks [3:17:36] iran has a right [3:17:38] to a missile [3:17:39] program so my [3:17:41] question is pretty [3:17:42] simple is it [3:17:43] correct that it [3:17:45] is no longer [3:17:46] a war objective [3:17:47] to destroy all of [3:17:49] their military [3:17:50] capacities this is [3:17:51] what the president [3:17:51] has said have [3:17:52] our goals been [3:17:53] simplified to [3:17:55] reopening the [3:17:56] strait and to [3:17:57] getting into a [3:17:58] negotiation over a [3:17:59] nuclear program [3:18:00] i don't think you [3:18:01] have a realistic plan [3:18:02] to do either of [3:18:03] those things but i [3:18:04] think it's important [3:18:05] for us to know what [3:18:06] we're funding are [3:18:07] the objectives much [3:18:08] more limited today [3:18:09] than they were when [3:18:10] you made that [3:18:10] statement in march [3:18:11] so i think the [3:18:12] objectives have been [3:18:13] consistent and clear [3:18:14] from the beginning [3:18:15] and i i would [3:18:16] compare i would [3:18:17] contrast it to north [3:18:18] korea where a [3:18:19] conventional buildup [3:18:20] was used to hide a [3:18:21] nuclear capability [3:18:22] that eventually [3:18:22] evolved to a point [3:18:23] where it couldn't [3:18:24] be contested and [3:18:25] what iran continued [3:18:26] to do even after [3:18:27] midnight hammer was [3:18:28] trying to build that [3:18:29] conventional capability [3:18:30] to dare anyone to [3:18:31] stop them from [3:18:31] pursuing nuclear [3:18:32] weapons so getting [3:18:33] after their [3:18:34] conventional [3:18:34] capabilities missile [3:18:35] launchers defense [3:18:36] industrial base their [3:18:37] navy was all part of [3:18:39] ensuring they can't [3:18:40] blackmail us into [3:18:41] pursuing a nuclear [3:18:42] capability laser [3:18:44] focused on iran will [3:18:45] never have a nuclear [3:18:46] capability that's the [3:18:47] promise the president [3:18:48] has made and that he [3:18:48] will keep i think [3:18:49] i think it supports [3:18:50] it is still a war [3:18:51] objective either through [3:18:53] military action or [3:18:55] through a diplomatic [3:18:56] agreement to destroy [3:18:59] and disable all of [3:19:01] iran's meaningful [3:19:02] military capacities [3:19:03] including their missile [3:19:04] program as far as all [3:19:06] when we talked about [3:19:07] that from the podium [3:19:08] for at the outset of [3:19:09] this week we're talking [3:19:10] about their defense [3:19:11] industrial base and [3:19:12] if you look at the [3:19:12] metrics of their [3:19:13] ability to make more [3:19:14] that it's been [3:19:16] overwhelmingly destroyed [3:19:18] not everything but [3:19:19] overwhelmingly now do [3:19:20] they have missiles in [3:19:21] underground bunkers [3:19:22] because they're a [3:19:23] terror state sure they [3:19:24] do and we've [3:19:25] acknowledged that from [3:19:25] the beginning but [3:19:26] their capacity is less [3:19:28] today than it's ever [3:19:28] been they obviously [3:19:30] they obviously have [3:19:31] significant capacity to [3:19:32] effectively disrupt the [3:19:34] entirety of the [3:19:35] middle east and oil [3:19:36] flows out of the [3:19:37] middle east and that's [3:19:37] not going to change [3:19:38] let me ask you one more [3:19:39] question this is a [3:19:40] request for supplemental [3:19:41] funding because you [3:19:42] don't have the funding [3:19:44] in your base budget to do [3:19:45] what you need to do which [3:19:46] makes questions about the [3:19:48] base budget relevant [3:19:49] there's been a lot of [3:19:51] attention as the [3:19:51] secretary on the [3:19:52] modernization of a [3:19:53] luxury jet that was [3:19:54] gifted to the president [3:19:55] by the government of [3:19:56] Qatar reports suggest [3:19:58] that maybe as much as [3:19:59] one billion dollars in [3:20:00] your base funding [3:20:01] an extraordinary amount [3:20:02] of money has been used [3:20:03] for an upgrade and the [3:20:05] plane is back in the [3:20:06] shop for a second [3:20:06] upgrade as far as I can [3:20:08] tell never before has an [3:20:09] administration not made [3:20:11] public the amount of [3:20:12] money for an upgrade or a [3:20:14] construction contract on a [3:20:15] presidential airplane [3:20:16] obviously we don't need or [3:20:17] want disclose the details [3:20:19] of that upgrade but never [3:20:21] before have you withheld [3:20:22] from congress and the [3:20:23] public the total amount of [3:20:25] money I think there are two [3:20:27] really important questions [3:20:28] here one will you make [3:20:30] public the amount of money [3:20:31] that you are spending to [3:20:33] upgrade this plane and two [3:20:35] can you commit to this [3:20:37] congress and this committee [3:20:38] that the president isn't [3:20:39] going to take this plane [3:20:41] with him when he leaves [3:20:43] office the only thing more [3:20:44] insulting to the taxpayers [3:20:46] of spending money on a jet [3:20:47] they don't need would be for [3:20:48] the president to take it [3:20:50] with him to take it out of [3:20:52] our military inventory when [3:20:54] he leaves office see the [3:20:57] air force has done an [3:20:57] incredible job making that a [3:21:00] capable jet that [3:21:01] ultimately but its [3:21:03] capabilities are and and [3:21:04] and investment are [3:21:05] classified and shouldn't be [3:21:06] talked about it's not [3:21:07] what I'm asking [3:21:08] considering security [3:21:09] will you disclose the [3:21:10] amount of money publicly [3:21:12] I would imagine and as part [3:21:14] of the regular budget process [3:21:16] that's something that we [3:21:16] would look at and and will [3:21:18] you commit that the [3:21:19] president will not you have [3:21:20] to look at the [3:21:21] classification level of [3:21:22] certain things that are not [3:21:23] devolved for reasons of [3:21:24] national security will you [3:21:25] commit that the president [3:21:26] will not take this jet with [3:21:27] him out of federal [3:21:29] inventory when he leaves [3:21:30] office it's that's not a [3:21:32] decision for necessarily me [3:21:33] to make and ultimately we're [3:21:34] grateful to have it in the [3:21:35] fleet for the air force to [3:21:36] protect the president of the [3:21:37] united states that's [3:21:38] the senator here [3:21:39] answer to the american [3:21:40] public senator peters [3:21:46] thank you mr chairman [3:21:49] folks welcome to the [3:21:50] hearing today i apologize [3:21:52] it's senator ossoff still [3:21:54] here oh i'm sorry i didn't [3:21:57] i went out of order senator [3:22:00] ossoff i'll yield my time to [3:22:02] senator thank you thank you [3:22:05] madam chair and uh thank you [3:22:07] all for your testimony and [3:22:08] uh general kane let me just [3:22:10] begin by expressing on behalf [3:22:11] of all georgians our immense [3:22:14] gratitude and admiration for [3:22:16] the service members who are [3:22:19] making tremendous sacrifices [3:22:20] and conducting themselves with [3:22:22] extraordinary selflessness and [3:22:23] professionalism on behalf of [3:22:25] the united states and our [3:22:26] states unified condolences and [3:22:30] grief for the families of the [3:22:31] four killed in action and our [3:22:33] hope for a swift recovery for [3:22:35] the nearly 100 wounded over the [3:22:37] last two weeks and thank you to [3:22:38] you for your service to the [3:22:39] nation mr hegseth [3:22:41] you're requesting roughly 68 [3:22:46] billion dollars for the [3:22:47] department through the [3:22:48] supplemental correct 67 yes and [3:22:53] yesterday your department stated [3:22:55] publicly quote u.s forces struck [3:22:58] iranian military command centers [3:23:00] maritime capabilities missile and [3:23:03] drone launch sites and air defense [3:23:05] systems to degrade iran's ability to [3:23:08] continue attacking commercial [3:23:09] vessels that was a press release from [3:23:12] your department is that a broadly [3:23:13] accurate characterization of ongoing [3:23:15] operations that sounds broadly [3:23:18] accurate yes on day 14 of this [3:23:21] conflict mr secretary day 14 nearly [3:23:24] five months ago you stated that [3:23:26] iran's military had been quote [3:23:28] destroyed and quote made combat [3:23:30] ineffective that was on day 14 of [3:23:32] the war was that an accurate [3:23:34] statement [3:23:34] uh... they didn't have a navy any [3:23:37] longer it's completely sunk their [3:23:39] missiles were buried underneath a [3:23:41] lot of their underground facilities [3:23:42] and their defense industrial base [3:23:43] has been almost completely destroyed [3:23:45] so as far as a military assessment of [3:23:48] iran's capabilities it doesn't didn't [3:23:50] mean by any stretch of the [3:23:51] imagination absolute zero but [3:23:53] there can be the lowest level you [3:23:54] stated very long on day 14 of this [3:23:57] conflict in the second week of the [3:23:58] conflict you stated that iran's [3:24:00] military had been quote destroyed and [3:24:03] quote made combat effective was that [3:24:06] an accurate statement yes or no iran's [3:24:10] ability to challenge the united [3:24:11] states of america at the level of [3:24:12] which we're capable of it's not what [3:24:14] i asked you mr secretary you said on [3:24:16] day 14 iran's military had been quote [3:24:18] destroyed and quote made combat [3:24:21] ineffective yes or no was that an [3:24:24] accurate statement what the american [3:24:27] military has you answer the question [3:24:29] military is a historic military you [3:24:31] answer the question in fact in that [3:24:32] context three weeks later you [3:24:35] declared victory that was now nearly [3:24:38] four months ago three weeks after [3:24:42] you'd already said iran's military was [3:24:44] destroyed and combat ineffective you [3:24:47] said quote operation epic fury was a [3:24:49] historic and overwhelming victory you [3:24:51] said iran's military had been rendered [3:24:54] quote combat ineffective for years to [3:24:56] come and you stated we had quote [3:24:59] achieved every single objective were [3:25:01] those accurate statements it certainly [3:25:05] was on behalf of the men and women in [3:25:06] uniform a historic military victory [3:25:08] over iran had iran's military been [3:25:10] rendered quote combat ineffective for [3:25:13] years to come [3:25:13] that was a statement that you made four [3:25:15] months ago they had 160 naval vessels [3:25:17] you need to answer the questions mr [3:25:19] secretary their air force you said four [3:25:21] months ago combat ineffective you said [3:25:22] they don't have a defense industrial base [3:25:24] excuse me describe to me a country that [3:25:26] doesn't have an air force a navy or a [3:25:27] defense industrial base mr secretary you [3:25:30] a company that the country that does not have an [3:25:31] effective military it can lob missiles [3:25:34] mr secretary you stated four months ago [3:25:36] that iran's military had been rendered [3:25:39] quote combat ineffective for years to [3:25:43] come has iran's military been for the [3:25:45] last four months combat ineffective it's [3:25:48] been set back not just years but likely [3:25:50] decades you stated we can't hold at the [3:25:52] level it did before and not even close it [3:25:54] doesn't mean it doesn't have capabilities mr [3:25:56] secretary you stated we had quote achieved [3:25:59] the military has been rendered by the [3:26:02] military and the military has been [3:26:03] targeted every single objective was that [3:26:05] an accurate statement four months ago the [3:26:06] main objective of this was to ensure that [3:26:08] iran never gets a nuclear weapon their [3:26:10] main sites were obliterated we're [3:26:11] watching over them and we're holding [3:26:12] that issue if they don't give them up at [3:26:13] the table there's other ways we can [3:26:14] take early in the car ron will never [3:26:15] have a nuclear weapon secretary early in [3:26:17] the conflict day three you said one of [3:26:19] those core objectives was to quote [3:26:21] destroy the missile threat and as you [3:26:23] restated on day five to quote obliterate [3:26:24] iran's missiles and drones those were [3:26:26] clearly and repeatedly stated core [3:26:29] objectives of the campaign which four [3:26:32] months ago you declared had been [3:26:34] completed victoriously with every [3:26:36] single objective achieved were those [3:26:39] objectives achieved four months ago [3:26:41] no one ever stated that every single [3:26:43] missile was gone ultimately combat [3:26:45] ineffective means they're not able to [3:26:46] dig them out of their ugf since she had [3:26:48] the missile doesn't mean they don't [3:26:49] have underground facilities where they [3:26:51] put missiles in them and hold on to [3:26:52] them because they're the world's [3:26:54] largest state sponsor of terrorism so [3:26:56] we never expected they would stop [3:26:57] having capabilities to shoot the [3:26:59] question is at scale against opponent [3:27:01] like the united states of america [3:27:03] which went toe-to-toe with them in [3:27:04] iran couldn't you stated on march 8th [3:27:07] day 9 of the war on 60 minutes you [3:27:09] assured the american people of [3:27:11] iranians surrender does that remain [3:27:13] your prediction ultimately iran will [3:27:16] never have a nuclear weapon to [3:27:18] threaten the united states of [3:27:19] america that has been the objective [3:27:20] and it remains so so just to review you [3:27:24] you will not answer whether your [3:27:26] statement made on the 14th day of the [3:27:28] war that iran's military had been [3:27:30] quote destroyed and made combat [3:27:32] ineffective was a truthful statement [3:27:34] to the american people as you sit [3:27:36] here and ask for tens of billions [3:27:37] more senators time has a historic [3:27:40] and effective military campaign [3:27:42] against the largest state sponsor of [3:27:43] terror and answer the question [3:27:45] ever get a leader is recognized thank [3:27:48] you and thank you to our witnesses [3:27:53] here today i want to begin by first [3:27:56] echoing my colleagues comments that [3:27:59] we've heard throughout the hearing [3:28:00] here and join them in mourning the [3:28:02] loss of american service members who [3:28:05] were killed in action these last few [3:28:07] days my thoughts are with their [3:28:09] families with a service member who [3:28:12] remains missing and with all those [3:28:14] injured during the strikes and i will [3:28:16] continue to pray for their families [3:28:18] secretary higseff over the course of [3:28:23] the war with iran i have repeatedly [3:28:25] expressed concerns regarding the [3:28:27] administration's lack of a winning [3:28:29] strategy and repeated contradictions [3:28:32] about the state of the war it [3:28:35] frankly doesn't help that you and [3:28:37] your president continues to mislead [3:28:40] the american people you and the [3:28:42] president have repeatedly said that [3:28:43] the war as we've heard over and [3:28:45] over again is almost over or already [3:28:48] won in fact the president alone has [3:28:51] said the war is almost over more [3:28:53] than 30 times on march 1st the [3:28:57] president said we'll be done in four [3:28:59] or five weeks on march 9th he said [3:29:01] the war was very complete on april [3:29:03] 8th he declared total and complete [3:29:05] victory 100% no question about it on [3:29:09] the same day you declared operation [3:29:11] epic fury was a historic and [3:29:13] overwhelming victory on the [3:29:14] battlefield a capital the military [3:29:16] victory by any measure and yet today [3:29:19] july 21st we have soldiers whose [3:29:23] remains are sadly going to be returned [3:29:26] to their deeply grieving families [3:29:29] tomorrow clearly the war is not over [3:29:34] yet after months of conflict our [3:29:36] strategy to win remains unclear i have [3:29:39] long said the united states has the [3:29:40] strongest military in history in the [3:29:43] world and i have no doubt that our brave [3:29:45] service members can execute any mission [3:29:47] and prevail in any battle but without a [3:29:51] clear winning strategy we're at risk [3:29:53] of being in another forever war that [3:29:55] will put our service members in [3:29:56] continued harm's way and continue to [3:29:58] cost taxpayers billions of dollars [3:30:01] secretary haigsev despite your [3:30:04] failure to win this war you are back [3:30:07] now before congress asking for almost [3:30:09] seventy billion dollars in additional [3:30:11] funding you're asking the american [3:30:13] people for a blank check because once [3:30:15] again trump administration's efforts [3:30:18] have been an utter and complete failure [3:30:20] to win this war to this point so my [3:30:23] question for you sir is how is your [3:30:26] strategy different than what we've [3:30:28] seen in the past so far we have not [3:30:30] seen a strategy that's been [3:30:31] successful you mentioned nuclear [3:30:33] material is the primary goal of the [3:30:35] war it still exists we haven't dealt [3:30:37] with that issue yet you talk about the [3:30:39] destruction of missiles and yet the [3:30:40] missiles that we saw hit recent [3:30:42] targets are actually somehow more [3:30:45] lethal more deadly more maneuverable [3:30:48] than what we have seen in the past so [3:30:49] they're obviously improving their [3:30:52] munitions the strait of hormuz is [3:30:56] still closed reminding everybody it was [3:30:58] open before the war prices were lower [3:31:02] for everybody until the war and it [3:31:04] still remains closed and of course [3:31:06] tragically people service members are [3:31:09] warfighters who we care deeply about [3:31:11] are still dying so what's different [3:31:13] mr exit so secretary i think your [3:31:18] characterization of this incredible [3:31:19] effort as a failure is reckless and [3:31:21] i think it's irresponsible and i [3:31:23] think it smears the sacrifice of the [3:31:25] troops that are out there making on [3:31:26] behalf of the american people to [3:31:27] ensure that iran never gets a [3:31:29] nuclear weapon shame on you and [3:31:30] others who call this a quagmire and [3:31:32] a failure and then you want to turn [3:31:33] around and say you support the war [3:31:34] fighter either you do or you don't [3:31:36] is the nuclear material still there [3:31:39] i can get you a ticket out to sent [3:31:40] common talk to what those americans [3:31:41] are doing how committed they are to [3:31:42] this effort and how they want to [3:31:43] ensure that iran never threatens [3:31:45] their families with a nuclear [3:31:46] weapon it's a it is that that's the [3:31:48] kind of intensity that our war [3:31:49] fighters have about making sure that [3:31:51] iran isn't capable of the [3:31:53] territory except did you if you [3:31:54] listen to my comments you told you [3:31:55] would have heard me say how amazing [3:31:57] our war fighters are heard failure [3:31:59] the word heard i will tell you how i [3:32:02] use the word failure because i use [3:32:03] the word failure to their leaders [3:32:05] you sir are the failure not the men [3:32:08] and women who are on that front [3:32:09] line not the the men and women who [3:32:11] hold up their honor with distinction [3:32:14] but if there's a lack of a winning [3:32:17] strategy they're in harm's way their [3:32:19] leaders have failed them and that's [3:32:21] what's happening we have political [3:32:22] leadership you you don't have a [3:32:24] strategy you don't have a long-term [3:32:26] plan to actually win this war win [3:32:28] the war the men and women are going [3:32:30] to be able to do it but they need to [3:32:31] have leadership of course we have [3:32:33] leadership of course we have [3:32:34] leadership when will you show [3:32:35] leadership when will you show [3:32:36] leadership and stand up for your [3:32:37] fellow democrats who won't fund [3:32:38] the troops who stand and play [3:32:39] partisan politics why you don't [3:32:41] give us the money you want to [3:32:42] stand up here and talk about the [3:32:43] troops you won't show any [3:32:44] political courage to actually fund [3:32:46] our department because you have [3:32:47] trump trump derangement syndrome [3:32:49] and can't actually commit to [3:32:50] anything meaningful so i put this [3:32:52] on you senator secretary haggs [3:32:54] if you have trillions you have [3:32:56] over a trillion dollars you're [3:32:57] asking for one and a half trillion [3:32:59] dollars it's not a question of [3:33:01] money it's a question of [3:33:02] leadership and understanding what [3:33:04] it takes to actually win [3:33:06] political cowardice of democrats [3:33:08] who won't fund the troops [3:33:10] senators time has expired this will [3:33:16] conclude our hearing i want to [3:33:20] thank our witnesses for being [3:33:22] present and the committee for what [3:33:25] what it's certainly been a vigorous [3:33:28] discussion for any senators who [3:33:31] wish to submit additional questions [3:33:34] for the record those questions will [3:33:37] be due in seven days on tuesday [3:33:41] july 28th by 5 pm i'm going to ask [3:33:49] the rank the vice chair if she has [3:33:51] any final comments i do very quickly [3:33:53] and thank you chair collins this was [3:33:54] really an important discussion about [3:33:56] the state of this tragic and [3:33:58] disastrous war and how we should be [3:34:00] spending americans tax dollars on [3:34:02] families instead of this president's [3:34:04] war of choice unfortunately this [3:34:07] hearing has done exceptionally little [3:34:09] to justify the president's request or [3:34:11] to instill confidence that this [3:34:13] administration has an exit plan or a [3:34:15] strategy to end the war this war has [3:34:17] cost us a lot the last thing we should [3:34:19] be doing is rubber stamping another [3:34:22] seventy billion dollars to help trump [3:34:24] keep it going thank you madam chair [3:34:26] well vice chair murray i'm compelled [3:34:28] to respond to your comments by [3:34:31] pointing out that it is the duty of [3:34:34] this committee to have a hearing when [3:34:37] we have this kind of supplemental [3:34:41] request so i think that your comments [3:34:44] comments was not appropriate this [3:34:47] hearing is now adjourned thank you