Trump's $88B Iran war bill collides with Senate opposition

Key Points:

• The Pentagon submitted an $88 billion funding request to Congress to cover costs related to the Iran war, significantly lower than earlier $200 billion estimates, but faces strong opposition from Senate Democrats who are reluctant to replenish munitions despite added incentives.
• Democratic leaders like Sen. Chris Murphy and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the package as a "blank check" for President Trump and a burden on taxpayers, while Republicans remain divided, with some skeptical of Democratic support and others concerned about specific provisions.
• The bulk of the funding—$67 billion—is allocated to the War Department for missile stockpiles, military operations, drones, cybersecurity, and classified programs, with additional funds for the Coast Guard, National Guard, and nuclear nonproliferation efforts related to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
• A contentious provision in the package proposes permanently extending the year-round sale of E15 ethanol-blended gasoline, causing a rare split among Senate Republicans between those supporting it for agricultural benefits and others worried about its impact on small refiners and energy security.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune supports the E15 mandate for its political advantages in corn-producing states, while Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso opposes it due to concerns about harming small refineries; ongoing negotiations aim to find a compromise on this issue within the broader funding package.