The Trump administration on Wednesday asked Congress for $87.6 billion in additional funding, most of it to cover costs linked to the Iran war. The request, known as supplemental funding, is money sought on top of the budget already approved.
According to the letter, $67.1 billion would go to the Department of War — formerly the Defense Department — including $21 billion for munitions. A further $11.1 billion is requested for farmers, and about $1.4 billion for the response to an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in the letter, addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, that most of the request would address urgent needs related to the Iran war. He urged Congress to act “as soon as possible.”
Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat, said in a statement that she would closely review the request and work to support service members, but added that she “will not rubber stamp tens of billions more for this disastrous war of choice.”
The funding request came a day after the Senate passed a largely symbolic war powers resolution — a measure asserting that the president needs congressional approval for further military action — aimed at limiting future strikes against Iran. Four Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting it.