Lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration on its military budget and funding for the war in Iran as hearings begin on Capitol Hill.
Congress is back in session, with lawmakers focusing on the Trump administration's military budget and funding for the ongoing war in Iran during budget hearing s. Budget Director Russ Vought is the first to testify this morning, and members of the House — especially Democrats — are expected to question the administration's record $1.5 trillion military budget request, which marks nearly a 50% increase from last year . The administration is also seeking additional funding for the war in Iran . While the original request was $200 billion, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week that the amount will be scaled back, with some news outlets suggesting it could be closer to $100 billion.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright is likely to face questions about the administration's handling of the global oil shortage caused by the war, which has led to higher gas and diesel prices at home.Additionally, threats to the Strait of Hormuz are blocking fertilizer shipments at a critical time for farmers, an issue Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins may have to address.
As Congress begins the process for next year's spending, lawmakers are also working to resolve this year's budget. The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security has now entered its third month.
Republican lawmakers will try to move two bills to end the shutdown. One will fund everything but immigration enforcement. This will challenge Democrats to stand by their promises to vote for that limited legislation.Republicans will also try to pass a bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and related agencies for three years through reconciliation, which makes it easier to get a bill through the Senate with Republican-only votes. Trump wants that process done by June 1.
Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
Budget Director Capitol Capitol Hill Congress Democrats Department Of Agriculture Ice Immigration Enforcement John Thune President Donald Trump President Trump Republicans Russ Vought Senator Majority Leader Trump Administration Military Budget Last Year Lawmaker Ongoing War Administration Question Trump Administration Official Bill Budget Hearing Iran Process Iran War Funding Congress Democrats Next Year
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