Protesters interrupt Senate hearing on Iran war funding

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, was repeatedly interrupted by antiwar protesters as he sought tens of billions of dollars in additional funding for the ongoing conflict with Iran. The hearing, which also featured Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, was marked by multiple disruptions and sharp partisan exchanges over the administration’s military strategy and budget request.

At least four protesters stood up during Hegseth’s opening remarks, holding signs reading “NO WAR ON IRAN” and shouting statements such as “Your hands are bloody” and “Stop bombing our children in Iran and Palestine.” U.S. Capitol Police removed each protester from the hearing room, allowing Hegseth to continue his testimony after each interruption. At one point, Sen. Susan Collins, who chaired the hearing, called for order.

The hearing focused on a White House supplemental funding request of $67 billion, primarily to cover costs associated with the war in Iran and to replenish military supplies. Hegseth testified that the conflict has cost approximately $37.5 billion so far, with some costs projected through the...