Story perspectives

Pentagon Funding Gap Risks U.S.; Rubio Cites Iran, Hypersonics

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pete Hegseth told the Senate that failing to fund the $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for next year threatens the United States.
Pete Hegseth requested $87 billion and noted the 2025 request rose to $850 billion from $740 billion.
Marco Rubio said Iran directs funds to militias in Iraq, Hezbollah and Hamas instead of its people.
Marco Rubio explained that $75 billion of unspent GOP-funded Pentagon money is being redirected to hypersonic weapons development.

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Story summary

Pete Hegseth told the Senate that failing to fund the $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for next year threatens the United States.
Pete Hegseth requested $87 billion and noted the 2025 request rose to $850 billion from $740 billion.
Marco Rubio said Iran directs funds to militias in Iraq, Hezbollah and Hamas instead of its people.
Marco Rubio explained that $75 billion of unspent GOP-funded Pentagon money is being redirected to hypersonic weapons development.