By Sarah Chen | Thursday, May 14, 2026
The chief of naval operations warned Thursday that without supplemental funding from Congress for Operation Epic Fury against Iran, the U.S. military will face forced reductions in training and other critical priorities.
According to Pentagon officials, the Department of Defense submitted a $200 billion supplemental spending request in March for the conflict with Iran, but it remains unclear why the White House has not forwarded it to Congress.
Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III told lawmakers Tuesday that the war has already cost $29 billion, primarily for replacing munitions, repairing equipment, and covering operational costs for deployed forces.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, responding to questions from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama, stated: “As you know, the [fiscal 2026] budget didn’t bake in Epic Fury, and the Navy—if you see any news channel and you look at the graphic there—you see a large Navy force in the Middle East. So, we’re burning bright, and that’s what navies do, but it comes at cost… Without supplemental funding, I fear I’ll have to start making decisions by July on how I generate forces.”
Caudle added that without additional funds, the Navy would delay permanent change-of-station orders for between 12,000 and 15,000 new sailors. He emphasized recruitment efforts could be severely impacted: “Without funding, my record recruiting will be thwarted… those efforts could be challenged.”
Lawmakers from both parties have repeatedly stated they cannot act without a formal request from the Department of Defense. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said Thursday: “We must get that number from the Pentagon—and it needs to be here now.”
Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., ranking member of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, noted the panel requires the request by June 11 for review when examining the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 budget request.
