President Donald Trump has asked the US Congress to approve an $87.6 billion funding package, with most of the money earmarked for what the White House described as urgent costs arising from the war with Iran.
The request, submitted to lawmakers on Wednesday, comes a day after Congress passed a resolution rebuking the military action and amid growing political opposition to the conflict ahead of November’s midterm elections.
According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, the largest share of the package about $67 billion would go to the Department of Defense to support military operations and replenish resources depleted during the conflict.
The proposal includes $21 billion for munitions, $17.3 billion for operational expenses and $12.1 billion for classified defence programmes.
In a letter sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the administration said: “Most of this request will address urgent needs related to Operation Epic Fury (OEF),” referring to the military campaign against Iran.
The funding request also seeks approximately $300 million to strengthen security at US embassies and diplomatic facilities across the Middle East and South Asia following attacks on some American installations during the conflict.
While a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains in place, the White House said additional funding is required to rebuild military stockpiles and maintain readiness.
The package also contains spending unrelated to the Iran conflict, including $11 billion in support for American farmers and $1.4 billion to combat the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
However, the proposal faces significant hurdles in Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have increasingly questioned the cost and duration of the military campaign.
The request follows a symbolic but historic vote in Congress aimed at limiting the president’s war powers. The measure, which passed despite Republican control of the Senate, marked the first congressional resolution instructing a president to end an ongoing military action.
Trump sharply criticised the vote, describing it as “poorly timed and meaningless,” while also attacking Republican senators who joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.
Tensions spilled into a closed-door meeting with Senate Republicans on Wednesday, where disagreements over the conflict reportedly became heated.
One Republican senator, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, later disclosed that he clashed with the president during the meeting.
“I stood and said, ‘You have not told the American people what’s going on,’” Cassidy told reporters.
“This was supposed to last four weeks, it’s lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved,” he added.
Speaking later alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump again criticised lawmakers who supported the war powers resolution, accusing them of undermining the military effort.
The latest funding request highlights the growing financial burden of the Iran conflict. Last month, Pentagon Chief Financial Officer Jules Hurst told lawmakers that the war had already cost approximately $29 billion, though defence analysts argue the true cost is likely much higher.
Erizia Rubyjeana
