On July 21, I watched the Appropriations Committee hearing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

They were testifying in support of their request to receive $33 billion for military training and payroll in support of the Iran war. The $33 billion is a portion of the overall request for $87.6 billion.

The 2027 Defense budget is $1.5 trillion. Why is that not sufficient to cover training and payroll for our military? Could it be that mismanagement is a factor?

Sen. Susan Collins has indicated she will support Hegseth’s request for $33 billion. This is one more “troubling” and “concerning” decision by Collins that begs for her to be voted out of office.

Nina McKee
Scarborough