Key facts
- President Donald Trump requested $87.6 billion from Congress for urgent needs.
- The funds are primarily for the Iran war, with $67 billion allocated to the Defense Department.
- Additional funds include $11.1 billion for farm aid and $1.4 billion for Ebola outbreak response.
- The request faces significant political opposition in Congress.
- The White House cited depleted Pentagon stockpiles due to the Iran conflict.
President Donald Trump's administration has formally requested approximately $87.6 billion from Congress in supplemental funding to address urgent needs, primarily related to the war in Iran. The request also seeks funds for disaster relief, including efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, and support for American farmers. The Department of Defense would receive the largest portion, $67 billion, intended for military operations, personnel, and replenishing munitions, with specific allocations for munitions, operational costs, and classified programs. The White House cited needs for embassy security and construction in countries surrounding Iran, as well as funding for the Department of Energy related to Iran's nuclear capabilities. The supplemental request faces significant political hurdles, with Democrats and some Republicans expressing skepticism due to the cost and the unpopularity of the Iran conflict, especially with midterm elections approaching. The White House Office of Management and Budget sent the formal request on Wednesday. Washington and Tehran are currently observing a ceasefire, but the conflict has depleted Pentagon stockpiles. Republicans in Congress have expressed skepticism about a peace plan Trump agreed with Iran last week. Earlier on Wednesday, Trump held a tense meeting with Senate Republicans after calling off a signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill, where he complained about a recent symbolic vote to block his war in Iran.