Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Republican Senators Warn Hegseth Excluding Democrats Risks $1.5T Budget

8/13/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Republican senators warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that excluding Democrats could jeopardize President Donald Trump’s $1.5 trillion budget.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refuses to engage half the Senate.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) called for bipartisan briefings despite smaller groups.
Senate Democrats threatened to boycott the funding bills, risking the administration’s fall priorities.

1 of 1

Story summary

Republican senators warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that excluding Democrats could jeopardize President Donald Trump’s $1.5 trillion budget.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refuses to engage half the Senate.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) called for bipartisan briefings despite smaller groups.
Senate Democrats threatened to boycott the funding bills, risking the administration’s fall priorities.