White House seeks extra funds for Iran war as part of $87.6bn request

President Trump has requested $87 billion from Congress, primarily for "urgent" costs related to Iran, according to a White House budget office letter. The funds are intended to "rebuild stocks" following military strikes, despite a current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. This request faces significant opposition, as lawmakers recently rebuked Trump's military actions by passing a resolution to restrict his war powers. Republicans in Congress have also expressed skepticism about a peace plan Trump agreed to with Iran. The President reportedly had a tense meeting with Senate Republicans, where he complained about the war powers vote, which was the first of its kind to pass Congress.

The Trump administration has requested $87.6 billion in additional spending from Congress, including funds for the war on Iran. The Office of Management and Budget formally submitted the proposal, with the majority of funds earmarked for the Department of Defense for military personnel, readiness, and rebuilding stocks. This request follows a congressional vote to rein in President Trump's war powers, which saw some Republicans cross party lines. While Democrats plan to oppose the funding, citing unrelated Pentagon priorities, some Republicans view the military funds as a necessary investment. The package also includes funds for farm aid, Ebola response, and infrastructure projects.

Congress has passed a war powers measure, a concurrent resolution, for the first time since 1973, rebuking President Trump's war with Iran. This largely symbolic vote expresses Congress's sentiment and adds pressure on the White House to end the conflict. The House of Representatives previously approved the measure, with four Republicans joining Democrats. While the resolution is not legally binding, it reflects public sentiment, particularly after a spike in petrol prices. A White House official stated that with a ceasefire in place, there are no hostilities to withdraw from and attributed the measure's passage partly to the absence of two Republican senators.

The US Senate voted 50-48 to pass legislation directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran. This vote follows a similar passage in the House of Representatives earlier this month. The resolution reflects growing congressional concern, including among some Republicans, about the conflict that began on February 28 with a US and Israeli attack on Iran. This marks the first time since the War Powers Act of 1973 that both chambers of Congress have passed a resolution directing a president to remove US armed forces from hostilities.

The US Senate passed a war powers resolution by a 50-48 vote, aiming to prevent President Trump from continuing hostilities against Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, which requires presidential authorization from Congress for military force against Iran. This resolution, previously passed by the House, is a symbolic rebuke to the president over a conflict unpopular with the American public and ahead of midterm elections. The vote's success highlights Republican discontent with the war, which has led to rising gas prices and military casualties. Democrats intend to explore legal avenues to ensure congressional compliance with the resolution.

The US Senate has passed a war powers resolution aimed at halting President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran and requiring congressional approval for future actions. This marks the first time such a resolution has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The vote was 50 to 48, with four Republicans joining most Democrats to approve the measure, despite Republican control of the Senate. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's actions as a "historic blunder." The resolution is expected to face a presidential veto. Critics argue the resolution could undermine ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran, while supporters see it as a demonstration of growing congressional opposition to the president's use of military force.