Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, who is nominated to take command of U.S. forces in the Middle East, told senators at his confirmation hearing that the protection of troops is top of mind because Iran continues to possess “considerable tactical capability.”

The veterans, all Democrats, did not indicate which war powers resolution they will back as lawmakers across Capitol Hill race to make their voices heard in the aftermath of the U.S. military’s strikes against Iran’s major nuclear facilities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump will decide whether the U.S. will provide a 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bomb that is capable of reaching Fordo, Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear site. 

The House Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved a $831.5 billion defense spending bill in a 36-27 vote that keeps the base Pentagon budget flat for fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1.

A tense exchange about Greenland and Panama began a series of other confrontations between Hegseth and House Democrats, some of whom demanded he resign.

Hegseth maintained the call-up of 4,000 National Guard members and 700 active-duty Marines was “lawful and constitutional” and said the same process could be employed in other cities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to respond to immigration protests in Los Angeles, saying the military would stay involved for 60 days at a cost of $134 million.

House appropriators on Monday released a draft of the defense budget that will give service members a 3.8% pay raise, reduce the civilian workforce by nearly 45,000 jobs and keep the Pentagon’s budget flat from 2025 to 2026.

Families who choose to receive an urn or commemorative plaque on behalf of a deceased veteran forfeit the right to bury that veteran in a national cemetery under a new Department of Veterans Affairs rule.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Randy George, the service chief of staff, said they did not yet know what role National Guard members would play in the immigration enforcement effort but said troop involvement would be legal and in line with training.