In a recent House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing, a heated exchange unfolded between Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The session, which also featured General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and acting Pentagon Comptroller Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, centered on the administration's proposed budget for 2026.
As reported by ABC News, the discussion took a dramatic turn when DeLauro, known for her colorful persona, pressed Hegseth on the Defense Department's strategy for investing in submarine constructiona critical component of national security given China's aggressive naval expansion.
According to Gateway Pundit, DeLauro emphasized the importance of transparency in defense spending, stating, We are focused squarely on submarines, and we want to know where that (funding) is going and for what the continued investments are to meet our production levels and make sure that is an area covered for our national security.
However, when Hegseth acknowledged the committee's focus and began critiquing the Biden administration's missed opportunities in shipbuilding, DeLauro's frustration boiled over.
Her outburst included demands for a clear plan from the Defense Department. I want your plan! she exclaimed. Ive had difficulty with the prior administrationWhat is your plan for the future?! DeLauro continued her fervent questioning, insisting on written documentation of the department's intentions.
We dont have anything today! We have Zip, nada, to help you know where youre going! she declared, underscoring the need for concrete financial details. Give us the details! she urged, expressing urgency for clarity before the committee's impending budget markup.
This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions in Congress over defense spending priorities, particularly in the face of global threats. The exchange underscores the critical need for transparency and strategic planning in safeguarding national security interests.
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