Iran War Budget Passes Barely in US House, Senate Uncertain of Support

JAKARTA - The United States House of Representatives narrowly passed a $95 billion budget proposal. The funds are prepared to finance the war against Iran, help farmers, and carry out part of President Donald Trump's election legislation agenda.

Anadolu Agency quoted Thursday, July 23, saying the Republican budget bill was passed with 216 votes to 214 on Wednesday.

All Democrats voted against it. Two Republicans, Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson, also voted against it.

Kevin Kiley, an independent who joined the Republican camp, also voted against it. The bill only won by two votes and is now being sent to the Senate.

The chances of its approval are uncertain. A number of Republican senators questioned additional funds for the Iran war.

They also questioned the provisions related to elections that were included through the budget reconciliation mechanism.

The proposed $95 billion is equivalent to around Rp1,695.75 trillion, assuming a rate of Rp17,850 per US dollar.

The Trump administration requested additional funds last month as the war against Iran entered its fifth month.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week estimated that the cost of the war so far has reached 37.5 billion US dollars or around Rp669.38 trillion at the same exchange rate.