The US Defense Department would seek Congress for approximately $80 billion to cover costs associated with the Iran conflict and other liabilities.
President Donald Trump has faced criticism from Americans who accuse him of pouring billions of public funds into the Middle East conflict while oil prices and inflation soar in the United States.
According to the Journal, Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg conveyed the proposal with senators this week, citing sources familiar with the deliberations.
Pentagon officials have stated that unless Congress passes a new wartime appropriations package, they will run out of funds for operations in the coming months, according to the newspaper.
According to the report, the military may need to reduce training and personnel deployment near the US-Mexico border as part of Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The Pentagon announced last month that the cost of the conflict with Iran had risen to about $29 billion, but Democrats and other war critics have speculated that the total cost — including damage inflicted by Iran — may be much higher.
Concerns about the battle depleting US weapons stockpiles were heightened last month when Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the conflict as a rationale for suspending arms sales to Taiwan.
When asked in an interview if there was a crisis in munitions stockpiles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the notion.
A source told the Journal that if the $80 billion is authorized, some of it will go toward armaments, staff pay, and ship operations.
The conflict, sparked by US-Israeli assaults on Tehran in late February, has gripped the oil-rich Middle East and blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for the world’s oil supplies.
A cease-fire agreement was jeopardized on Friday as fighting erupted between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and discussions in Switzerland were postponed.
Some politicians have stated that they will not vote for additional war funds unless the conflict is authorized by Congress.
Democrats accuse Trump of breaking the Constitution by launching the war without Congress’ approval.
According to the War Powers Act, presidents have 60 days to seek congressional approval after deploying US forces into hostilities.
That deadline passed several weeks ago, and Democrats claim Trump is now breaking the law.
