Congressional Democrats are raising concerns about the Trump administration's request for $1.5 trillion in defense spending for 2027, with several lawmakers questioning both the budget's viability and the ongoing military engagement with Iran.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) expressed skepticism about the massive Pentagon budget proposal during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. The Virginia senator suggested the request faces significant challenges in Congress, though he did not specify particular objections to the funding level.

The budget discussions come as the United States continues military operations against Iran, with reports indicating that a U.S. jet was recently downed in the conflict. Kaine called on Trump to "dial back the rhetoric" regarding the situation with Iran during his television interview.

Other Democratic lawmakers have been more direct in their criticism of the Iran engagement. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, called the war "a mistake in large part because of the cost" and argued that continued strikes are strengthening Iran's government rather than weakening it.

Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) criticized Trump's Iran strategy from a different angle, arguing that Tehran views its control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as more valuable than developing nuclear weapons. Auchincloss suggested the administration's approach has failed to address Iran's key strategic advantages.

The $1.5 trillion defense request represents a significant increase in military spending and would require Congressional approval to move forward.