Bernie Sanders, Powerful Democrat Lawmakers Want Iran War Funding Freeze As Part Of Any Gov’t Funding Deal

Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic senators Chris Van Hollen, Michael Bennet and Tammy Duckworth say any short-term government funding deal should restrict the Trump administration from spending appropriated funds on the war in Iran. Their demand could complicate negotiations ahead of the 11 December funding deadline and increase the risk of a government shutdown if lawmakers cannot agree.

The senators said they would oppose a continuing resolution that provides billions more for the war, arguing that it could prolong the conflict and lead to further escalation. Pentagon estimates put the war’s cost at $47.1 billion by mid-October. The article also cites polling showing 57 per cent of Americans opposed the war and 33.6 per cent supported it; the Senate had rejected a war powers resolution before the midterm elections.