US House narrowly adopts $95B budget plan to fund Iran war and voting restrictions

US Capitol in Washington DC. (Photo/Reuters)

House Republicans have narrowly adopted a $95 billion budget plan to provide tens of billions for the war with Iran and impose new election restrictions President Donald Trump has demanded, muscling through dissent in their ranks to send the measure to a sceptical Senate.

The blueprint would pave the way for filibuster-proof legislation known as a reconciliation bill that would bypass Democratic opposition and provide up to $73 billion in additional military funding, $12 billion for farmers and $10 billion to enforce severe new voting restrictions championed by Mr Trump.

It was approved in a 216-to-214 vote, with all but two Republicans in favour despite considerable concern in their ranks about its cost, its scope and voting to fund an unpopular war just months before the midterm elections.

The plan faces an uphill fight in the Senate, where the Republican leader has cast doubt on his chamber’s willingness to embrace it.

Floor debate

Speaking at length on the House floor in support of the plan, Representative Jodey Arrington, Republican of Texas and the chairman of the Budget Committee, described the effort as "supporting our troops in their time of need".

Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, stated: "No matter how you feel about the current events, these funds are necessary to ensure our fighting forces remain ready, our troops are paid, and our nation is safe".

Budget hawks objected to the fact that none of the new spending would be offset by new cuts, while defence hawks said their party should use reconciliation to provide even more money.

In the end, only two Republicans, Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio, and one independent who aligns with the G.O.P., Representative Kevin Kiley of California, voted no.

Separately, the US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027 on Wednesday in a narrow 216-212 vote.

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Source: TRT