$200 Billion Iran War Funding Request Faces Backlash in US Congress

Washington: A request by the US military for an additional $200 billion to fund the ongoing war with Iran has drawn strong opposition in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties questioning the need for such a large sum.

According to officials, the Department of Defense has asked the White House to approve the funding request, though President Donald Trump has yet to formally submit it to Congress. Administration officials have also indicated that the figure could change.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the proposal, saying the scale of operations requires significant resources. “It takes money to carry out these operations,” he said, adding that the administration would work with lawmakers to ensure adequate funding.

Early estimates suggest the conflict could become the most expensive US military engagement since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Officials told lawmakers that the first six days of fighting alone cost more than $11 billion, with ongoing daily expenses estimated between $1 billion and $2 billion.

Despite this, public support appears limited, with polls indicating that only about a quarter of Americans back the war effort.

The funding request comes after Congress, currently led by Republicans, approved record defence spending, including the Fiscal 2026 Defence Appropriations Act worth approximately $840 billion.

Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticise the proposal. Representative Pramila Jayapal questioned how such spending could be justified, while Senator Chris Van Hollen dismissed the request outright, suggesting that cutting funding could help bring the conflict to an end.

Concerns have also emerged among Republicans. Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, described the figure as significantly higher than expected and indicated that a public hearing may be required.

As the conflict enters its third week, lawmakers are increasingly demanding clarity on the administration’s strategy and the long-term financial implications of the war.