House GOP advances $95 billion plan to fund Iran war, Trump priorities
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday sought to advance a Republican-only $95 billion budget resolution intended to fund the U.S. response to Iran and several of President Donald Trump’s priorities, pressing the measure ahead without Democratic support and with uncertain backing in the Senate.
The package would include $60 billion for the Pentagon, $13 billion for other national security needs, $12 billion for farmers and $10 billion for voting law changes tied to the SAVE America Act and proof-of-citizenship requirements, according to GOP leaders.
Republicans are using the budget reconciliation process to try to pass the plan on a simple majority, a tactic they have employed before, Republican lawmakers said. “Just bullets and bombs to finish the job,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, chairman of the House Budget Committee. “No matter how you feel about current events, these funds are necessary to ensure our fighting forces remain ready, our troops are paid and our nation is safe,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
Democrats sharply opposed the effort, arguing the funds should address domestic needs. “Republicans plan to spend tens of billions of dollars on Trump’s failed war in Iran,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “Republicans have literally ripped food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans to sustain the Trump war machine.” Polling shows most Americans disapprove of Trump’s Iran strategy, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.
Senate support was unclear. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was noncommittal: “We’ll see.” Thune said his immediate focus is avoiding a government shutdown and securing a continuing resolution to fund the government before current funds expire Sept. 30. He added it was possible the Senate could later use the House-passed resolution to address funding if necessary. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators this week the Pentagon is running short of cash despite a $150 billion one-time allotment in last year’s budget bill.
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