White House seeks $87.6 billion from Congress, chiefly for Iran war expenses
The administration has requested $87.6 billion, with $67 billion earmarked for defense spending tied to the Iran conflict, but the proposal faces opposition in a politically sensitive climate.
The White House Office of Management and Budget sent a formal request to House Speaker Mike Johnson for $87.6 billion in funding, most of which is intended to cover "urgent needs" linked to the ongoing Iran operation. The Department of Defense would receive $67 billion, including $21 billion for munitions, $17.3 billion for operational costs and $12.1 billion for classified programs. Additional allocations cover $11 billion for American farmers and $1.4 billion for Ebola response in Central Africa.
The request also contains about $300 million to enhance security at U.S. embassies and diplomatic sites in the Middle East and South Asia after recent attacks. While a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is in place, the Pentagon notes a need to rebuild stockpiles following recent strikes.
Congressional support appears uncertain, as the Iran conflict remains unpopular with voters and midterm elections approach. Republican lawmakers have voiced skepticism about the peace plan announced by the president last week. During a closed-door luncheon on Capitol Hill, President Trump criticized a Senate resolution that sought to limit his war powers, describing it as "poorly timed and meaningless" and labeling dissenting senators as "losers". Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said he confronted the president, accusing him of failing to inform the public about the war's progress.
