The White House said in a July 16 statement that it “strongly supports the immediate passage” of the House of Representatives budget resolution for a third reconciliation bill, which includes $60 billion for defense.
“This budget resolution is a crucial first step in allowing congressional Republicans to quickly pass a budget reconciliation bill that protects America’s elections, strengthens America’s national defense and supports American farmers,” the Donald Trump administration said in the statement.
The statement of support followed the House Budget Committee’s 20-14 party line vote last week to approve the $95 billion budget resolution. The $60 billion figure for defense in House Republicans’ blueprint for the next reconciliation bill is slightly below the administration’s request to cover Iran war costs and a far cry from the $350 billion the Pentagon is seeking as part of its fiscal year 2027 budget request.
The White House said the funding provided for defense is “necessary for the [Pentagon] to cover increased operational costs and readiness expenses, while making investments to support critical capabilities, munitions procurement and strengthen the U.S. industrial base.”
Over the past week, hostilities with Iran have intensified and the Pentagon confirmed the recent deaths of American soldiers in the conflict.
Exchange Monitor affiliate Defense Daily first published a version of this story.