House Passes $95 Billion Package for Iran War and Trump Priorities/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ The House narrowly adopted a Republican-led $95 billion budget resolution covering the Iran war, national security, farm assistance and voting-law changes. The measure passed 216-214, with two Republicans and one independent joining Democrats in opposition. The proposal now faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Republicans disagree over its cost and Trump’s proof-of-citizenship voting plan.
Quick Look
- The House adopted the budget resolution by a 216-214 vote.
- Two Republicans and one independent opposed the measure alongside Democrats.
- The proposal includes $60 billion for the Pentagon.
- Another $13 billion would fund other national security needs.
- Farmers affected by Trump’s tariffs would receive $12 billion.
- Voting-law changes would receive $10 billion.
- The package contains no offsetting budget cuts.
- Republicans are using reconciliation to bypass a Senate filibuster.
- The resolution directs congressional committees to draft detailed legislation.
- The Senate has not committed to taking up the House proposal.
- Eighteen U.S. service members have been killed during the Iran war.
- The SAVE America Act provisions face resistance among Senate Republicans.
Deep Look
House Narrowly Adopts $95 Billion Resolution
WASHINGTON — The House adopted a Republican-only $95 billion budget proposal Wednesday aimed at funding the Iran war and advancing other priorities supported by President Donald Trump.
The measure passed 216-214 despite opposition from Democrats and several members who usually align with Republicans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson moved ahead with the plan even though some conservatives objected because it does not contain spending reductions to offset its cost.
Johnson views the party-line approach as Republicans’ best opportunity to move Trump’s priorities through a divided Congress before the midterm elections.
“Just bullets and bombs to finish the job,” said House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas.
Three Members Break With Republicans
Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio voted against the resolution.
Rep. Kevin Kiley of California, a former Republican who is now an independent, also opposed it.
Kiley said funding for the war should advance through a bipartisan process. He also called for Congress to have a “much higher level of involvement” in efforts to end the conflict.
The remaining opposition came from Democrats.
Package Divides $95 Billion Among Four Priorities
The House resolution proposes:
- $60 billion for the Pentagon
- $13 billion for other national security programs
- $12 billion for farmers affected by Trump’s tariffs
- $10 billion for voting-law changes
The election provisions are aligned with the proposed SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections.
The resolution itself does not immediately provide the money. It instructs congressional committees to write the detailed legislation needed to implement the plan.
Democrats Oppose Additional War Spending
Democrats argued that Congress should use the money to reduce costs and support domestic programs instead of expanding military spending.
“Republicans plan to spend tens of billions of dollars on Trump’s failed war in Iran,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar of California. “Think about what we could spend with these resources instead.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also criticized the Republican plan.
“Republicans have literally ripped food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans to sustain the Trump war machine,” Jeffries said.
Congress Has Not Authorized Iran War
Congress remains divided over the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Lawmakers have not authorized the use of military force, but they have also been unable to stop Trump’s strikes. They now face a decision over providing additional taxpayer money for the operations.
Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, according to a recent AP-NORC poll cited in the original report.
The House vote came as Trump attended the dignified transfer of four American service members killed in the Middle East. Their deaths brought the U.S. military toll from the war to 18.
Pentagon Says Money Is Running Short
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators this week that the Pentagon was running short of money for the conflict.
His warning came despite a one-time $150 billion military allocation included in the previous year’s major budget legislation.
Supporters of the House resolution said the new funding is necessary to sustain operations, pay military personnel and preserve readiness.
“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 House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama.
Republicans Use Reconciliation for Third Time
Republicans are relying on budget reconciliation, a process that allows certain fiscal legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority.
The procedure prevents opponents from using a filibuster, which normally requires 60 votes to overcome.
Republican leaders have called the latest effort “reconciliation 3.0.” They previously used the process to pass Trump’s tax and spending legislation and to fund the Department of Homeland Security over Democratic objections to the administration’s deportation policies.
Committees Must Now Draft Legislation
The budget resolution establishes instructions for House and Senate committees to prepare the legislation that would provide the proposed funding.
Johnson wants that work completed during the summer, with final votes possible after lawmakers return from the August recess.
The Senate would have to consider the resolution during a lengthy amendment process. Senators can force votes on politically difficult proposals during the round-the-clock session, making the procedure unpopular during an election year.
Senate Republicans Remain Skeptical
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to advancing the House plan.
“We’ll see,” Thune said.
Some Republican senators want more money for military operations, while others oppose adding to the deficit without equivalent spending cuts.
Those disagreements leave the measure’s future uncertain despite its passage in the House.
Thune Focuses on Avoiding Shutdown
Thune’s immediate priority is securing routine government funding before lawmakers leave for their summer break.
He wants the Senate to approve a temporary funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, before existing appropriations expire Sept. 30.
If Congress cannot agree on that legislation, Thune has suggested using the House budget resolution later in the fall as a vehicle for preventing a government shutdown.
“It’s a possibility that, if necessary, we could pull that budget resolution passed by the House and use it to fund government,” Thune said. “I hope that’s not necessary.”
Voting Provisions Face Additional Opposition
Trump has made the SAVE America Act and proof-of-citizenship requirements a leading priority.
However, the proposal does not have enough support among Senate Republicans to pass.
Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. Election experts warn that additional documentation requirements could make it harder for eligible citizens to register and vote.
The disagreement between Trump and Thune over the election proposal adds another obstacle to final approval of the $95 billion package.
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