WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense is preparing to seek an additional $80 billion from Congress to cover costs related to the U.S. war against Iran, according to senators briefed on the proposal.
Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg informed lawmakers during a meeting last week that the Pentagon had submitted the funding request to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review, The Associated Press reported.
The Office of Management and Budget has not yet formally transmitted the proposal to Congress.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with senators on Capitol Hill on Monday to discuss military funding and the administration’s defense spending plans.
The proposed request exceeds the $29 billion war-cost estimate that Hegseth provided during congressional testimony last month.
Lawmakers are expected to debate the request as Congress considers broader defense spending measures. Some members have raised concerns about the administration’s decision to go to war with Iran, while others have questioned increased Pentagon spending amid inflationary pressures.
Republican lawmakers aim to secure about $1.1 trillion in defense funding through the regular appropriations process. Congress could consider an additional $350 billion later this summer through separate legislation.
Pentagon officials said most of the proposed funding would replenish munitions stocks and repair military equipment. The funds could also support operational expenses associated with maintaining U.S. forces overseas.