Pentagon faces cash crunch as Congress stalls on military spending
Pentagon cash shortage and congressional stalling delay military budget implementation despite massive allocations.
Event / Politics
Trump Military Budget Proposal
House Republicans passed a $95 billion budget proposal funding military operations, national security, farmer assistance, and voting law changes, though Senate passage remains uncertain.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Jul, 00:15 UTC
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What happened
Congress remains at standstill over U.S. military operations against Iran
Congress has not authorized military force against Iran but remains unable to stop Trump's military strikes. The military death toll has reached 18 service members killed in the Middle East. Most Americans disapprove of Trump's Iran strategy according to a recent AP-NORC poll.
House adopts $95 billion budget proposal for Iran war and Trump priorities
The House of Representatives adopted a Republican-only $95 billion budget proposal on Wednesday with a vote of 216-214, with all Democrats opposed. The package includes $60 billion for the Pentagon, $13 billion for other national security needs, $12 billion for farmers affected by Trump's tariffs, and $10 billion for voting law changes including proof of citizenship requirements.
Senate Majority Leader disputes Trump's voting citizenship requirement proposal
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has clashed with President Trump over the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voting. It is already against the law for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.
Republicans use budget reconciliation process to bypass Senate filibuster
House Republicans are using the budget reconciliation process, which allows approval on a simple majority vote and bypasses the Senate's filibuster power. This is the third time GOP leaders have relied on this process, referred to as reconciliation 3.0. The procedure was previously used to approve Trump's tax and spending cuts bill last year and Homeland Security funding this year.
Pentagon reports cash shortage despite $150 billion allocation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators that the Pentagon is running short of cash, despite receiving a massive $150 billion one-time allotment in the previous year's budget bill.
SAVE America Act requiring voter citizenship proof lacks Senate Republican support
Trump's proposed SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship for voting. While popular among Trump's most ardent supporters, the measure does not have sufficient support among Senate Republicans for passage. Experts warn the new rules could make it more difficult for eligible Americans to vote. Estimates show 9% of U.S. citizens of voting age (21.3 million people) do not have proof of citizenship readily available, and nearly half of Americans do not have a U.S. passport.
Trump attends dignified transfer of four service members killed in Middle East
President Trump attended the dignified transfer ceremony of four service members killed in the Middle East, bringing the total military death toll from operations to 18.
Senate Majority Leader noncommittal on House budget proposal
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to supporting the House budget package. He is focused on avoiding a government shutdown by securing a continuing resolution for routine government funding before lawmakers leave for summer recess. Current government funds expire September 30.
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2 alternative perspectives
Senate Republicans resist Trump voting citizenship requirement
Senate Republicans resist voting citizenship requirement from Trump's military budget proposal.
House passes $95 billion budget proposal targeting Iran operations
House passes $95 billion military budget via reconciliation; Senate leadership uncommitted.