NPR News: 07-21-2026 6PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says troop training would have to be cut back if the Pentagon doesn't get the sixty-seven billion dollars in supplemental funds it's requesting from Congress. He also raised concerns about troop pay and weapons that defend against enemy drones and missiles.

Pete Hegseth· Soundbite0:19

Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls that threaten our ability to also simply pay our service members, rapidly replenish equipment and munitions, and sustain vital operations without disruption.

Ryland Barton· Host0:31

Republicans are trying to pass the budget package before lawmakers take a month-long break to campaign for the midterm elections. Later this week, the Senate will consider another war powers resolution limiting President Trump's ability to unilaterally wage war. Most Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the conflict as gas prices spike again. President Trump says he plans to help Lebanon. The US has been trying to get Israeli forces to leave areas where they've been fighting Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon, as NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.

Michelle Kellerman1:02

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says his goal is to end the state of hostility between Israel and Lebanon and that he's been looking forward to this White House visit.

Joseph Aoun· Soundbite1:11

Meeting such a great president like yourself.

Donald Trump· Soundbite1:14

That's a very nice thing. See, he knows how to get to me.

Michelle Kellerman1:16

[laughing] Israel occupies large parts of Southern Lebanon, where it's fighting Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Under a US-mediated pilot program, the Israelis have begun to hand off some small areas to the Lebanese Armed