In an interview on Saturday’s “Saturday Agenda,” Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) stated he wants Congress to conduct a thorough review of the proposed $200 billion supplemental spending package tied to the war in Iran before approving it, warning that unrelated items might be attached to the request.
Budd emphasized his priority is ensuring U.S. troops have what they need as the conflict enters its fourth week. “My main focus is making sure that the warfighter has what he or she needs to make sure that our country is safe,” he said.
However, Budd cautioned, “Let’s see what’s in that supplemental $200 billion.” He added, “It seems like everybody’s coming out of the woodwork with non-defense-related things, trying to attach it to that.”
The comments came as the Pentagon seeks additional funding for the conflict.
Budd, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, linked the issue to President Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict, stating Trump aims to end the operation quickly rather than allow it to become prolonged. “President Trump is doing what he needs to make our country safe. He does not like long wars, but he wants to get this [done] quickly,” Budd said.
When asked about the progress of the operation and what would constitute mission accomplished, Budd noted that Trump has been careful not to declare victory too early. “You don’t want to throw out those [promises]. I mean, we’ve seen a president say ‘mission accomplished’ when it wasn’t quite accomplished,” he explained.
Budd also urged greater NATO involvement, stating only a small number of nations have supported the effort. “By the way, out of the 32 countries in NATO, only five — and not even the biggest five — have stepped up and valiantly supported this effort because they realized the threat that Iran is,” he said. “So we need some of the other 27 countries, especially those with bigger militaries, to get involved.”
