WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pentagon requested a $200 billion emergency spending bill for the war in Iran on March 25, 2026, a sum greater than any individual spending measure for the simultaneous conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. President Trump needs Congress to appropriate the $200 billion emergency spending for the Iran war.

Members of the House Armed Services Committee attended a classified briefing on Capitol Hill that day. Lawmakers from both parties told administration officials they lacked clarity on President Trump's justification, his strategy, and whether he will use ground troops in the war in Iran.

"Even more so after this briefing," Rep. Nancy Mace wrote on X.

The spending request comes as public support for the conflict remains divided. A poll of registered voters showed that 58% disapproved of the war in Iran, while 42% approved. An AP-NORC poll found that 59% of adults said U.S. military action in Iran has gone too far.

Over the course of generations, Congress has gradually ceded its war-making authority to the president. The vast majority of Republican lawmakers say they back President Trump.

Republicans face a risk of losing control of Congress in the fall 2026 elections.