The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a $95 billion Republican budget package aimed at funding military operations linked to the conflict with Iran, marking one of the largest emergency defence spending measures since the crisis escalated.
The Republican backed legislation provides funding for military operations, weapons replenishment, missile defence systems, intelligence activities and support for U.S. forces deployed across the Middle East. The measure passed largely along party lines after intense debate over the growing cost of the conflict.
Supporters of the package said the funding is essential to sustain military operations, protect U.S. personnel and strengthen America’s ability to deter further attacks by Iran and its regional allies. Republican lawmakers argued that the additional resources are necessary to respond to the expanding security threat in the region.
Democratic lawmakers criticised the scale of the spending, questioning the administration’s long term strategy and warning that Congress must exercise greater oversight over military operations. Some legislators also expressed concern about the potential impact on the federal budget and growing national debt.
The funding package comes as the Pentagon reports that the conflict has already cost the United States tens of billions of dollars, with military operations continuing across the Middle East. Officials said the additional funding would support ongoing air operations, naval deployments, logistics, troop protection and the replacement of weapons and equipment used during the campaign.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to debate possible amendments before deciding whether to send the measure to President Donald Trump for approval.
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