A growing bloc of House Republicans is telling Trump that the Pentagon's $350 billion request does not move unless he hardens his line on Russia.
The Money Being Held Hostage
The Hill reports that the request was made back in July, amid the Iran war and the push to overhaul the military. The plan sets aside $113 billion to expand production capacity and $102 billion for drones and robotic systems, all within a $1.5 trillion defense budget.
The Pentagon is now running closed-door sessions to talk skeptical Republicans into backing it before the midterms.
The Lame-Duck Threat
Brian Fitzpatrick and Don Bacon said it openly. Bacon went furthest: no Trump legislation passes during the lame-duck session until the White House changes course. His words: limiting Ukraine's intelligence and Starlink access "is aiding an aggressor and war criminal who bombs cities," and the administration's agenda "is dead" unless it takes a different path.
Two defectors cannot sink a House vote. It takes at least three. But The Hill says the number of angry members is rising, and in private they are far harsher than in public.
What They Are Angry About
- The Russian diesel deal. One congressional aide says Trump must reverse it, noting Congress already passed a law banning Russian energy imports. The aide also asks what the Middle East war was for if fuel prices only climb.
- The curbs on Ukraine's intelligence and Starlink access.
- A White House that expects some support from Congress for the rest of this session while handing Putin favors.
Why This Pressure Is Real
An aide to a congressman says Capitol Hill will lean on the administration until it backs off at least a little. There are enough members not seeking reelection, or about to be freed by election losses, who no longer have to move in lockstep with the president. Bacon and Tillis are already leaving Congress, which frees them to speak plainly while their colleagues still worry about the base.
Fitzpatrick is also preparing his Peace Through Strength bill to block purchases of Russian oil, aimed at the discharge route that needs 218 signatures to bypass leadership.
Trump wanted a diesel handshake with Putin. His own party is now pricing it against the Pentagon budget.