Trump asks Congress for $87.6B, mostly for Iran war

The Trump administration asked Congress on Wednesday for $87.6 billion in supplemental funding, most of it to cover costs related to the Iran war.

Why it matters: The request is likely to intensify debate over presidential war powers as lawmakers in both parties question whether Congress should have authorized military action against Iran.

By the numbers: $67 billion of the request would go to the Defense Department, including $21 billion for munitions, $17.3 billion for operational costs and $12.1 billion for classified programs, according to the letter.

• $11.1 billion would go to farmers, and $1.4 billion would fund the response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

What they're saying: "Most of this request will address urgent needs" related to the Iran war, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in the letter, addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson.

• "I urge the Congress to take action on these important and urgent requests as soon as possible," he added. "The Administration is also open to discussing additional relief for other urgent matters."

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement that she would "closely review" the request and "ensure we take care of our servicemembers" but added: "I will not rubber stamp tens of billions more for this disastrous war of choice."

State of play: The funding request came a day after the Senate passed a largely symbolic war powers resolution seeking to limit further military action against Iran without congressional approval.

• Four Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the measure.

What's next: House and Senate appropriators will decide whether to advance the emergency request as submitted or reshape it during negotiations.