President Donald Trump's administration has asked Congress to approve an $87.6 billion emergency spending package, with the overwhelming majority of the money earmarked for military operations tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The proposal, submitted Wednesday by the White House Office of Management and Budget, requests $67.15 billion for the Department of Defense to fund combat operations, replenish weapons stockpiles depleted during the conflict, support military personnel, and finance classified national security programs.
The administration said the additional funding is needed to sustain operations while maintaining U.S. military readiness worldwide. According to the administration's request, approximately $21 billion would be used to procure munitions and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, while another $17.3 billion would cover operational costs associated with the Iran conflict.
Roughly $12.1 billion is designated for classified defense programs whose details remain undisclosed. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought told congressional leaders that "most of this request will address urgent needs" created by the war with Iran, arguing the supplemental funding is necessary to ensure American forces remain equipped and prepared.
The request comes as Congress remains sharply divided over the administration's handling of the conflict. Just one day before the supplemental package was unveiled, the Senate approved a largely symbolic resolution seeking to limit further military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization, reflecting growing unease among lawmakers over presidential war powers.
The funding proposal also follows a tense closed-door meeting between Trump and Republican senators, during which disagreements over the Iran war reportedly escalated into heated exchanges. Several lawmakers have expressed frustration over what they describe as insufficient briefings regarding the administration's military objectives and exit strategy.
Beyond defense spending, the emergency package contains billions of dollars for domestic priorities. The administration is requesting $11.1 billion in additional aid for American farmers struggling with higher fuel and fertilizer costs linked to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Of that amount, $10 billion would support crop producers, while approximately $1.1 billion would assist Florida farmers recovering from severe winter storms.
The proposal also includes $1.4 billion to respond to an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, $1 billion for improvements at New York City's Penn Station, and $500 million for restoration and construction projects in and around Washington, D.C. Additional policy provisions involve year-round sales of E15 gasoline and changes affecting foreign investment restrictions involving Venezuela.
Democrats immediately criticized the request, arguing that Congress should closely scrutinize additional war funding. Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray said in an official statement that she would review the proposal carefully to ensure support for U.S. service members but warned she would not "rubber stamp tens of billions more" for what she described as a "disastrous war of choice."
