Department of War officials have intensified closed-door briefings with lawmakers as the Trump administration works to build congressional support for its proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 defense budget.

The administration is seeking $1.1 trillion in base discretionary funding for the Department of War, along with another $350 billion through the budget reconciliation process. The White House says the spending is needed to rebuild military readiness, replenish weapons stockpiles and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base.

Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst and Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Christopher Mahoney briefed the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. Feinberg and Mahoney have also met with House and Senate appropriators in recent weeks.

The proposal includes funding for critical munitions, expanded weapons production and President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense initiative. The administration is also seeking additional money as the ongoing war with Iran puts further pressure on U.S. weapons inventories.

U.S. Central Command estimated that the conflict had cost the military $43.6 billion through Sept. 3, including $28.1 billion in weapons expenditures. The White House separately requested about $87 billion in supplemental funding in June, including $67 billion for Pentagon expenses and replenishing munitions used during the war.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said the administration needed to do more to recognize that the regular appropriations portion of the proposal would require 60 votes in the Senate, meaning some Democratic support would be necessary. He said Thursday's briefing went "a long way toward starting to cure that problem."

Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., also backed the full $1.5 trillion request while praising the classified briefing. "All I know is I'm supporting the $1.5 trillion budget request," Sheehy said.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said Pentagon officials presented lawmakers with specific military priorities that require funding and argued that Democratic opposition to the regular appropriations process has made reconciliation a more attractive option.

The administration faces a more straightforward path for the $350 billion reconciliation portion, which could advance without Democratic votes if Republicans remain united. Congress is also considering smaller packages aimed at addressing immediate military funding needs.

The administration is continuing its outreach to lawmakers as it seeks to secure funding for Trump's broader effort to rebuild U.S. military capacity and expand weapons production.