Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that he is working with lawmakers to secure funding for a Trump-backed missile defense initiative known as “Golden Dome.” The proposal is part of a broader push to expand U.S. air and missile protection, though details on the system’s scope and cost have not been fully released.

Hegseth’s comments indicate the Pentagon is now trying to translate the White House’s idea into a budget and policy plan that Congress would have to approve. Any large-scale missile shield would likely face scrutiny over price, feasibility, and the timeline needed to build and integrate such a system.

The initiative comes as U.S. defense officials continue to focus on threats from advanced missiles and drones. Supporters say a layered defense could strengthen homeland security, while critics are likely to press for clearer estimates before committing federal dollars.

Congress will have a central role in deciding whether the project moves forward. For now, the administration is still laying the groundwork for what would be one of the most ambitious missile-defense efforts in recent years.