The US regime under President Donald Trump has formally requested that Congress approve an additional $87.6 billion in spending, primarily for the war on Iran. The Office of Management and Budget submitted the proposal, urging the House to act quickly.

The bulk of the funds – roughly $67 billion – is earmarked for the Department of Defense, covering military personnel costs and replenishing stocks. This is a reduction from the Pentagon's earlier $200 billion request.

It remains uncertain whether Congress will pass such a large spending bill ahead of November's midterm elections. The request comes a day after Congress passed a war powers resolution calling on Trump to halt military activities against Iran.

The Republican Party is reportedly divided over the war, reflecting broader public discontent. Polls indicate the war is unpopular; an Ipsos/Reuters survey found only 24% of Americans believe the war is worth its cost.

Democrats have vowed to oppose the request. Senator Patty Murray criticized it as an attempt to fund a “disastrous war of choice.” However, some Republicans, like Representatives Tom Cole and Ken Calvert, support the military funding.

The package also includes $11.1 billion in farm aid, $1.4 billion for Ebola response in Africa, and funds for infrastructure projects in New York and Washington, D.C., which critics say may be designed to incentivize passage.

Source: www.aljazeera.com