Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) berated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after he was unable to give her a plan for spending on military submarines.
During a Tuesday House Appropriations Committee hearing, DeLauro demanded "specific information" about how defense funds were being used on submarines after Hegseth suggested Congress had not supported the program.
"We're willing to listen to all of that, because in fact, in contrast to what your earlier statement was, we have in fact supported mightily the submarine industrial base from this committee that has not been neglected," the Democratic lawmaker said. "So, do we have a plan? Do you have a plan for making the necessary investments to ramp up production to the necessary levels? And what is that plan?"
"Ma'am, first of all, I want to thank this committee for the flexibility alongside FY25 and the continued resolution," Hegseth stated.
"Well, I would hope you would thank this committee for the funding that it had made!" DeLauro exclaimed. "We have made a serious investment. So your first statement is inaccurate! We have focused squarely on submarines."
"And we now want to know where that is going and what your plan is for the continued advancements to meet production levels and make sure that that is an area that's covered for our national security," she said.
"Congresswoman, we have the details and we will provide them for you," Hegseth insisted.
"Well, then let's have them!" DeLauro shouted. "And my hope is that we could get to it before we go to a markup within a few hours here today."
