New York Democrats slam Trump request for Iran war money

WASHINGTON — Long Island’s congressional Democrats slammed President Donald Trump’s request for $88 billion in funding — including $67 billion to finance the war with Iran — describing the request as out of touch with Americans grappling with rising prices.

The delegation’s two House Republicans meanwhile said Thursday that they were still reviewing the president's request.

Trump, on Wednesday, requested Congress pass a supplemental funding bill to fund the operation in Iran as well as fund $1.4 billion in efforts overseas to fight the spread of Ebola in Africa and $11 billion to assist the agriculture industry. He also asked for funding for several infrastructure projects including $1 billion "to assist in the final design and construction of a modernized," Penn Station, according to a letter from Trump’s top budget aide, Russell Vought, to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

The request needs Democratic votes to pass in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House, where Republicans hold narrow majorities.

Democrats have largely objected to Trump’s monthslong military operation in Iran, arguing he should have requested congressional approval under the Nixon-era War Powers Act. Trump ordered the start of U.S.-led aerial strikes in late February, but the operation was suspended earlier this month after both sides signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to negotiate a long-term peace agreement.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the senate minority leader, said in an online statement: "We should be lowering costs for the American people, not writing another blank check for Trump."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), a member of the Senate Armed Services committee, in a statement argued that Trump "launched this war with no strategy and no exit plan."

"Months later, he claims to have secured a ‘deal,’ but it is painfully clear he has failed to achieve a single stated national security goal," Gillibrand said. "There is no regime change, no dismantling of the Iranian military and no end to their nuclear ambitions. Instead, billions of American taxpayer dollars have been wasted in a foreign conflict while families at home face a severe affordability crisis."

Long Island's two Democratic representatives also questioned how the war was carried out.

Rep. Laura Gillen (D- Rockville Centre) said in an e-mailed statement to Newsday that the Trump administration’s "reckless decision to start the war in Iran without any strategy, objectives or definitive path has driven up prices and cost American lives. The proposed deal means Americans pay the price of the war while leaving the leading state sponsor of terrorism completely unchecked and bolder than before."

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D- Glen Cove) said in a statement to Newsday that he opposed funding the operation in Iran due to the lack of Congressional oversight.

"There has been no Congressional oversight or authorization of this war," Suozzi said. "The President will not get my vote to fund this operation and other budget blowing items when he refuses to follow the most basic rules outlined in the Constitution."

But the two Long Island Republicans did not commit themselves on the funding.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, "is reviewing the supplemental request but believes a strong national defense remains a top priority," his spokeswoman Annie McCarthy said in an e-mail to Newsday.

"Congressman Garbarino supports ensuring our military has the resources it needs to defend the United States and deter our adversaries," McCarthy said.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) told Newsday in an e-mail: "As a Navy veteran, I understand the importance of giving our military what it needs, but Congress also has a responsibility to scrutinize major spending requests, ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and demand a clear strategy from the administration."

LaLota added: "I believe America must prevent Iran from getting a nuke, replenish critical munitions, support our servicemembers and make clear that the United States will defend its interests and allies. That said, I will review the supplemental carefully, including the dozens of classified and non-defense portions, before making a final decision."

Vought defended the need for the money in his letter to Johnson, urging lawmakers "to take action on these important and urgent requests as soon as possible."

By Laura Figueroa Hernandez

laura.figueroa@newsday.com@Laura_Figueroa

Laura Figueroa Hernandez is the White House correspondent and previously covered New York City politics and government. She joined Newsday in 2012 after covering state and local politics for The Miami Herald.