The House of Representatives passed a $95 billion Republican budget package on Wednesday aimed at funding ongoing military operations in Iran and advancing several priorities of former President Donald Trump. The measure, approved by a narrow margin of 216 to 214, faced opposition from Democrats as well as a few Republican members who raised concerns over the lack of offsetting budget cuts.
The proposal includes $60 billion for the Pentagon, $13 billion for other national security needs, $12 billion to assist farmers affected by Trump-era tariffs, and $10 billion for voting law initiatives consistent with the SAVE America Act, which emphasizes proof-of-citizenship requirements. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) pushed the package forward amid internal divisions within the Republican caucus and skepticism from Senate Republicans about the bill’s prospects.
Republican leaders are employing the budget reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority in both chambers and bypasses the Senate filibuster. This procedure has become a preferred legislative tool for pursuing prominent GOP initiatives, including the tax cuts implemented last year. The current budget resolution marks the third major effort using reconciliation under Johnson’s leadership.
Supporters argue the funding is essential to maintain military readiness and national security amid continued conflict with Iran. “No matter how you feel about current events, these funds are necessary to ensure our fighting forces remain ready, our troops are paid and our nation is safe,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
Opponents, led by House Democrats, criticized the measure for prioritizing military spending abroad over domestic needs. “Republicans plan to spend tens of billions of dollars on Trump’s failed war in Iran,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. Democrats contend the funds would be better directed toward addressing economic challenges faced by American families.
Some Republicans also opposed the package. Rep. Kevin Kiley (Calif.), a former Republican turned independent, called for bipartisan involvement in any war funding and emphasized the need for Congress to have a more significant role in ending military engagement. GOP Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Warren Davidson (Ohio) joined in opposition as well.
In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) remained noncommittal about the House plan, highlighting divisions within the Republican majority. Some Senate Republicans seek increased military funding while others insist that spending increases be counterbalanced by cuts elsewhere. Thune’s immediate focus is on passing a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown before the fiscal year ends on September 30.
Thune has also expressed reservations over the inclusion of the SAVE America Act, which proposes stricter voting requirements tied to citizenship verification. The legislation faces opposition from Senate Republicans concerned it could restrict voter access despite aiming to prevent illegal voting.
If necessary, Thune suggested the Senate might later use the House’s budget resolution to fund government operations but expressed hope that such measures would not be required before the August recess. The proposed package now awaits consideration in the Senate, where political and procedural hurdles make its passage uncertain.