US House approves $95 billion Iran war budget, sends Trump-backed plan to Senate

The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved a $95 billion budget blueprint to fund the war with Iran and advance President Donald Trump's election-related priorities, overcoming resistance within Republican ranks.The measure passed by a 216-214 vote and now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain.The proposal would pave the way for a filibuster-proof reconciliation bill, allowing Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition. It includes up to $73 billion in additional military funding, $12 billion for farmers, and $10 billion to implement stricter voting rules sought by Trump.Despite concerns over the cost, scope and political fallout of funding an unpopular war ahead of the midterm elections, all but two House Republicans backed the plan. Republican Representatives Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson, along with Independent Kevin Kiley, voted against it.Senate hurdles remain as Republicans differ on funding, voting rulesThe budget now faces a tougher path in the Senate, where Republican leaders have expressed reservations. Senate Majority leader John Thune indicated the chamber may delay taking up the House measure until lawmakers address government funding ahead of the September shutdown deadline.Several Republican senators have also raised objections. Armed Services Committee chairman Roger Wicker said the proposal does not provide enough funding for the Pentagon, while Senators Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis oppose the inclusion of the SAVE Act, which seeks to tighten voter registration requirements by mandating proof of citizenship, stricter voter identification and curbs on mail-in voting.Murkowski also questioned whether approving supplemental funding could be interpreted by the Trump administration as congressional authorisation for the war with Iran, noting that the president has not sought formal approval from Congress for the conflict.Meanwhile, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed the proposal, calling it an "America Last Republican budget" that would pour billions more into "Operation Epic Fury" in the Middle East, which he described as "a complete and total disaster for the American people."If approved by the Senate, it would mark the third major reconciliation package passed by Republicans in the past 18 months.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.