The House of Representatives approved a $95 billion budget proposal on a party-line vote Wednesday, advancing a Republican plan to fund military operations, including the conflict in Iran, and other priorities of President Trump. The measure passed by a narrow 216-214 margin, with all Democrats voting against it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson championed the proposal as a means to advance the Trump administration's agenda through a divided Congress, despite anticipated challenges in the Senate. "Just bullets and bombs to finish the job," said Rep. Jodey Arrington, chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Democrats criticized the proposal, arguing that the funds would be better allocated domestically. "Republicans plan to spend tens of billions of dollars on Trump’s failed war in Iran," said Rep. Pete Aguilar, chairman of the House Democratic caucus. "Think about what we could spend with these resources instead."
The legislation allocates $60 billion for the Pentagon, $13 billion for other national security needs, $12 billion for farmers affected by Trump's tariffs, and $10 billion for changes to voting laws, including SAVE America Act provisions and proof-of-citizenship requirements, which are identified as Trump's top priorities.
The budget battle occurs as the U.S. faces a stalemate regarding military actions in Iran. Congress has not authorized the use of American military force in the region, yet is being asked to allocate significant taxpayer funds to support ongoing operations. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Americans disapprove of the current Iran strategy.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently informed senators that the Pentagon is experiencing financial constraints, despite a substantial $150 billion one-time allocation received in the previous year's budget. The approved House budget resolution now faces an uncertain path forward in the Senate.