Charleston: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday urged Congress to approve the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, saying full funding would serve as a lasting tribute to the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina. Speaking at Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina, which the US Air Force is renaming in honor of Graham, who died last month, Hegseth touted the proposed spending package as 'historic.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Hegseth emphasized the significance of the budget proposal, describing it as a 'historic generational investment' for America's military forces. He mentioned that Graham had previously expressed his approval of the proposal, calling it 'the best military budget I've seen since I've been in Congress.'

Hegseth highlighted that while renaming the base is a tribute to Graham, Congress could honor the late senator more substantially by approving the full defense spending package. He stressed that fully funding the defense budget would be a significant achievement for Graham and an essential part of his legacy, noting Graham's 33 years of service in the US military.

The appeal for the budget comes amid uncertainty in Congress, as lawmakers left Washington for their summer recess without reaching an agreement on the defense agenda. The $1.5 trillion plan aims to expand military spending significantly and advance President Donald Trump's priorities, such as constructing a new class of battleships and developing the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system.

However, the proposal faces opposition, particularly concerning the continued funding for the war on Iran, which critics label as illegal and unconstitutional. Opponents also argue that the spending increases are unnecessary, especially as the US public grapples with economic challenges, including rising prices and a weak economy.

Despite Hegseth's efforts to garner support through visits to Capitol Hill and meetings with lawmakers, Republicans have yet to secure enough backing to move the ambitious proposal forward, facing strong Democratic opposition.