The Department of War is reportedly seeking $80 billion to cover costs associated with the Iran conflict and other unrelated expenses, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Deputy War Secretary Stephen Feinberg has told lawmakers in recent phone calls that the Pentagon needs additional funding to sustain military operations tied to the conflict with Iran and cover other expenses, people familiar with the discussions told the Journal.
Congress has been pressing the Trump administration for a comprehensive accounting of the war's costs since the conflict began Feb. 28.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about the depletion of U.S. munitions stockpiles and the potential impact on military readiness for other global threats.
According to the Journal, Pentagon leaders have warned that funding shortages could begin affecting operations as early as this summer if Congress does not approve supplemental wartime spending.
Military officials have cautioned that training exercises and other priorities may have to be curtailed because of costs associated with the Iran conflict and troop deployments along the southern border.
The proposed package would still require approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget before being sent to Capitol Hill.
The Pentagon's fiscal 2026 budget is roughly $1 trillion, but officials say additional resources are needed for ship operations, personnel costs, and replenishing munitions inventories.
The broader supplemental package could also include non-defense spending such as disaster relief and farm assistance.
The funding request comes amid growing debate in Congress over both the cost and legal basis of the Iran war.
Some Democrats argue that additional funding should not be approved unless Congress formally authorizes the military operation.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said this week there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass a supplemental spending package under normal procedures.
The New York Times on Friday reported that resistance to increased Pentagon spending extends beyond Democrats, with some Republicans also questioning whether Congress can assemble the votes needed for a major defense funding measure.
Senate Republican leaders have discussed the possibility of using the budget reconciliation process, which would allow passage with a simple majority.
In late May, CNN reported that military leaders have already begun warning lawmakers about budget pressures.
Navy and Army officials have cited impacts on training, maintenance, and recruiting programs as funds are redirected to support ongoing operations.
CNN also reported that earlier Pentagon estimates placed the war's cost at roughly $29 billion, though officials acknowledged the ultimate price tag would likely be substantially higher.