Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth goes to the Hill with $350B funding request

NPR | By Quil Lawrence,

Leila Fadel

Published July 21, 2026 at 6:41 AM EDT

Defense secretary Pete Hegseth will appear on the Hill on Tuesday. He's looking for a $350 billion funding boost, as the war Iran once again flares up with no end in sight.

Quil Lawrence

Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering veterans' issues nationwide. He won a Robert F. Kennedy Award for his coverage of American veterans and a Gracie Award for coverage of female combat veterans. In 2019 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America honored Quil with its IAVA Salutes Award for Leadership in Journalism.

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.