# McConnell's Absence Puts Defense Spending at Risk As the Iran war escalates, Republicans' budget plans face uncertainty. - **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/be6ea7d4-5f53-42bd-854a-d8d767f25f1d ## McConnell's Health Issues Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized after a fall and treated for pneumonia. As chairman of the defense subcommittee, his absence raises uncertainty about Republicans' plans to increase defense spending. ## Lindsey Graham's Passing Senator Lindsey Graham passed away due to an aortic rupture. His absence created uncertainty in Republicans' budget plans, though his sister Darline Graham Nordone will complete his term in the Senate. ## Defense Budget Goals The Trump administration is pushing Congress to pass a $350 billion funding package to reach a $1.5 trillion defense budget. However, McConnell's absence complicates these plans. ## Cost of the Iran War The Iran war has already cost the U.S. $113 billion, with experts predicting the total cost could exceed $1 trillion. Escalating conflicts have made increasing defense spending urgent. ## Race Against Time Legislators are racing against the Sept. 30 fiscal year deadline to approve the defense budget. A continuing resolution could extend the deadline, but risks postponing the vote until after the midterms. ## Republicans' Strategy Republicans aim to increase defense spending through reconciliation. However, McConnell's absence and Graham's passing have complicated these plans, with experts predicting low chances of success. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/13/lindsey-graham-mitch-mcconnell-senate-defense-spending-budget-bill-in-jeopardy/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._