Lawmakers will have many opportunities to question White House officials beginning today as they head to the Capitol for budget hearings. First up this morning is Budget Director Ross. Members of the House, especially Democrats, are likely to press him about the administration’s record $1.5 trillion request for the military, and nearly 50% increase from last year. The administration is also expected to ask. For extra money for the ongoing war with Iran, the original request was $200 billion but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week that will be scaled back, with some news outlets suggesting it’ll be closer to $100 billion. Other hearings that could get more attention than usual. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is likely to face questioning about how the administration is handling the global oil shortage the war is causing. Leading to high gas and diesel prices at home and threats to the Strait of Hormuz are blocking fertilizer shipments at *** crucial time for farmers, something Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins may have to answer for as Congress begins the process for next year’s spending. They’re still trying to figure out this year’s budget as the funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security enters its 3rd month on Capitol Hill. I’m Rachel Hirsheimer.
Trump administration officials to face questioning on Iran War funding, military budget on Capitol Hill
Lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration on its military budget and funding for the war in Iran as hearings begin on Capitol Hill.
Congress is back in session, with lawmakers focusing on the Trump administration’s military budget and funding for the ongoing war in Iran during budget hearings. Budget Director Russ Vought is the first to testify this morning, and members of the House — especially Democrats — are expected to question the administration’s record $1.5 trillion military budget request, which marks nearly a 50% increase from last year. The administration is also seeking additional funding for the war in Iran. While the original request was $200 billion, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week that the amount will be scaled back, with some news outlets suggesting it could be closer to $100 billion. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is likely to face questions about the administration’s handling of the global oil shortage caused by the war, which has led to higher gas and diesel prices at home.Additionally, threats to the Strait of Hormuz are blocking fertilizer shipments at a critical time for farmers, an issue Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins may have to address. As Congress begins the process for next year’s spending, lawmakers are also working to resolve this year’s budget. The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security has now entered its third month.Republican lawmakers will try to move two bills to end the shutdown. One will fund everything but immigration enforcement. This will challenge Democrats to stand by their promises to vote for that limited legislation.Republicans will also try to pass a bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and related agencies for three years through reconciliation, which makes it easier to get a bill through the Senate with Republican-only votes. Trump wants that process done by June 1. Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
Congress is back in session, with lawmakers focusing on the Trump administration’s military budget and funding for the ongoing war in Iran during budget hearings.
Budget Director Russ Vought is the first to testify this morning, and members of the House — especially Democrats — are expected to question the administration’s record $1.5 trillion military budget request, which marks nearly a 50% increase from last year.
The administration is also seeking additional funding for the war in Iran. While the original request was $200 billion, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week that the amount will be scaled back, with some news outlets suggesting it could be closer to $100 billion.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright is likely to face questions about the administration’s handling of the global oil shortage caused by the war, which has led to higher gas and diesel prices at home.
Additionally, threats to the Strait of Hormuz are blocking fertilizer shipments at a critical time for farmers, an issue Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins may have to address.
As Congress begins the process for next year’s spending, lawmakers are also working to resolve this year’s budget. The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security has now entered its third month.
Republican lawmakers will try to move two bills to end the shutdown. One will fund everything but immigration enforcement. This will challenge Democrats to stand by their promises to vote for that limited legislation.
Republicans will also try to pass a bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and related agencies for three years through reconciliation, which makes it easier to get a bill through the Senate with Republican-only votes. Trump wants that process done by June 1.
Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
