Pentagon war costs rise as Senate support wavers for House $95 billion plan
The House passed a 216-214 package for the Iran war, farm aid and election-related measures, but Senate Republicans say they lack both a clear endgame for the conflict and the votes to advance the related budget framework.
The Pentagon told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the Iran war has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far, $9 billion more than its prior update, and warned some funding lines could run short within weeks as the administration seeks another $80 billion in emergency funding. The House then passed a $95 billion package by a 216-214 vote to fund the war, provide farm aid and advance election-related provisions, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate does not currently have the 50 votes needed to advance the House-passed budget resolution tied to that plan. Senate Republicans broadly support replenishing munitions and other Pentagon needs, but several said after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's testimony that the administration still has not provided a clear strategy or off-ramp for a conflict that has continued since Feb. 28, amid reports of three recent U.S. service-member deaths, heavy civilian casualties in Iran, higher oil prices and strain around the Strait of Hormuz.
- budget reconciliation: Fast-track Senate process that allows certain fiscal legislation to pass with a simple majority, subject to procedural rules.
- continuing resolution: Temporary legislation used to keep the U.S. government funded when regular appropriations have not been enacted.
- Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway critical to global oil shipments, making conflict there important for energy markets and fuel prices.