Thune casts doubt on $200B Iran war package as debt hits $39 trillion: 'Remains to be seen'

WASHINGTON, DC: US Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Thursday, March 19, that it was unclear whether a proposed $200 billion supplemental funding package for the Iran war could pass Congress.

“It remains to be seen,” Thune said in an interview, noting lawmakers had only seen the top-line figure so far and not the specifics of the proposal.

John Thune says details key to Congressional approval

Thune stressed that the Donald Trump administration would need to present a detailed breakdown of how the funds would be used before lawmakers could evaluate the request. 

“We’re going to need to… take a look at it,” he said, underscoring the need for clarity on spending priorities. 

The Republican leader acknowledged that any such measure would likely require Democratic backing to overcome a filibuster in the Senate, making its passage more uncertain.

Pentagon signals flexibility on amount

Earlier, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not deny reports that the Pentagon had sought White House approval for a funding request exceeding $200 billion.

“I think that number could move. It takes money to kill bad guys,” Hegseth said, indicating the final figure might change.

With the US national debt crossing $39 trillion, Thune said questions remained over whether the new spending should be offset. “Those are all good questions, and all questions we’re going to have to answer,” he said. 

Thune agreed with concerns raised by fellow Republican Sen Lisa Murkowski, who had called for more details before backing the proposal.

“I think they’re going to have to show us how they want to use it,” Thune said. “For sure.”

The funding would cover both current operations and future contingencies, including replenishing and expanding US ammunition stockpiles.

“We’re going back to Congress… to ensure that we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future,” Hegseth said, noting that stockpiles would be restored “above and beyond” previous levels.

However, the proposed funding request faces skepticism within the administration. According to a senior official cited in a Washington Post report, some White House officials doubt whether a package exceeding $200 billion could pass Congress.