Adam Smith Says Democrats Will Move to Cut Iran War Funding

Smith, a Washington Democrat expected to chair the House Armed Services Committee, told The New Republic’s Greg Sargent that a funding ban would likely face a Trump veto. Republicans in both chambers would then have to join Democrats in numbers sufficient to override it. The Pentagon says the war, now in its ninth month, has cost more than $47 billion; independent estimates are higher.

The war figured prominently in voter dissatisfaction, according to an NBC News exit poll. Sixty-three percent said launching it was the wrong decision, and 82% of that group favored Democrats. Seventy-four percent said the war was a crucial or major factor in their vote; 63% of those voters chose Democrats. Vice President JD Vance has also said the war was the reason Republicans lost.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday, “I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I’ll have to.” Reports say the administration has plans for a renewed large-scale bombing campaign that could target Iranian energy infrastructure, military sites and nuclear facilities, possibly with Israeli participation. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), briefed on the plans before the election, called them “insane” and said they involved deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in violation of international law. There has been no official directive from Washington to resume major combat operations.

Diplomacy is also in motion, Axios reported. Iranian negotiators have discussed with regional mediators a possible deal involving a US naval blockade lift and release of some frozen Iranian funds in exchange for nuclear talks and an end to Iran’s travel restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Before Democrats take control in January, lawmakers could act through a planned vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a government funding measure due by December 11. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) plans to force the impeachment vote, alleging a violation of the war powers resolution. Separately, the advocacy group Indivisible urged Democrats to block a National Defense Authorization Act and withhold Pentagon funding unless it cuts off money for the war, Roll Call reported. Whether Congress can stop the conflict remains uncertain.