November 12, 2026


Trump Renews Push for $350 Billion Military Package as GOP Faces Deadline

President Donald Trump urged Senate Republicans on Thursday to move “IMMEDIATELY” on $350 billion in military spending, intensifying pressure on lawmakers who have spent months divided over how to advance a party-line funding bill.

“Our Military must be strong, powerful, and respected,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Republicans must deliver for our Warriors. The Democrats never will. The time is NOW.”

The renewed demand comes as Republicans have only weeks left in control of Congress before Democrats take over the majorities they won in last week’s midterm elections. Democratic leaders are signaling that they will seek to end the Iran war, potentially by blocking funding as soon as next month.

A House-passed budget blueprint that includes money for the war has been stalled in the Senate for nearly four months. It provides $60 billion for the Pentagon, far short of Trump’s request.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week he remained open to using the budget reconciliation process, which could allow Republicans to pass a spending bill along party lines, but believed the House needed to act first. “We’ll see if there’s a political appetite to do it,” he told reporters Monday, noting that the process takes considerable time.

Republican senators discussed a possible reconciliation bill during an hourslong meeting Tuesday and agreed to explore a path forward, several lawmakers said. Still, some senators and party leaders doubt they have the votes amid disagreements over what a package should include.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said a narrowly focused bill would offer the best chance of success. Senate Budget Chair Ron Johnson of Wisconsin welcomed Trump’s involvement but would not say whether Republicans have enough votes. Johnson said he wants a budget blueprint on the Senate floor before lawmakers leave for the Thanksgiving holiday next week.

Thune also discussed reconciliation Wednesday with Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the incoming House minority leader. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Thursday that he wanted a broad reconciliation bill during the lame-duck session.

Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Senate Democrats for obstruction, although Republican divisions have held up the House-passed blueprint. “We need the Senate to do their work,” he said.