Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned top defense officials on May 12 about the Department of Defense’s 2027 budget request, focusing on the response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and funding for Maine shipbuilding.
The hearing addressed concerns over national security planning and its impact on oil supplies as well as future orders for U.S.-built destroyers. The Senate Appropriations Committee oversees federal expenditures and manages legislation related to government spending, according to the official website.
During her questioning, Collins asked General “Dan” Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whether planners had anticipated that military operations in Iran could lead to a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. “General Caine, when the Department of War was planning its operation in Iran, did you anticipate the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting impact on oil supplies for many countries, including here in the United States…?” she said. In response, Caine said: “As always, we have an incredible staff over at the Pentagon and down at USCENTCOM… you should rest assured… that we cover and consider the full range of things all the time in our careful consideration…”
Collins also raised concerns with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about a proposed reduction in orders for DDG-51 destroyers built at Bath Iron Works. She said: “That reduction to a single DDG-51 creates uncertainty for the U.S. surface combatant industrial base at a time when BIW is demonstrating huge progress in workforce retention… So I’m puzzled by why only one DDG is requested… particularly puzzled by …1.8 billion for foreign-born surface combatants at …the proposed cut for American built destroyers…”
Hegseth replied: “I appreciate the question, Senator… To both your questions, the answer is ship building capacity …as soon as that capacity is increased…, then we look forward to ordering DDGs into the future because they are …the backbone of our naval fleet.” The Senate Appropriations Committee has influenced federal spending through oversight hearings such as this one addressing trade and international affairs issues like those discussed during this session according to its official website.
The committee draws its authority from constitutional requirements that public funds be appropriated by law—a responsibility reflected in its ongoing review process according to official records. Broader implications include potential effects on U.S. military readiness and industrial stability if funding levels change or demand signals fluctuate.
