Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) urged Congress to block funding for further U.S. strikes against Iran, as President Donald Trump leaves open the possibility of renewed military action after Tuesday’s midterm elections despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict.
Khanna Pushes Congress To Cut War Funding
“I would stop the funding. The House and the Senate should stop the funding for any further actions in the Iran War,” Khanna said Sunday on Fox News Sunday. “That’s what we did to stop the Vietnam War, and we need to stop this war in Iran.”
Khanna, who has worked with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Iran war-powers measures, argued Congress should use its spending authority to halt further operations. Previous attempts to constrain the war have failed to end U.S. involvement. Khanna also tied the conflict to household costs, warning that continued fighting meant “higher gas prices, higher diesel prices.”
Responding to Trump’s criticism, Khanna wrote on X, saying, “Dems can vote to zero out appropriations for the war in Iran.” He added, “Trump called me a lightweight 4 times yesterday. My response: Bring down gas and diesel prices.” His proposal would require congressional action, and appropriations legislation remains subject to presidential veto.
War Costs Rise As Fuel Prices Climb
The Pentagon estimated the war had cost $47.1 billion as of Oct. 16, according to the Associated Press, including about $29 billion to replace munitions. The figure excludes damage to American military bases. The Pentagon reported 21 U.S. service members killed and 865 wounded.
The war has disrupted oil shipments and pushed gasoline prices higher. The Associated Press reported gasoline recently averaged $4.33 per gallon, approximately 45% above prewar levels. Khanna has previously criticized the conflict’s impact on household costs.
Trump Keeps Further Strikes Under Consideration
Trump said Washington would not attack Iran before November 3 but has not ruled out subsequent strikes. He said Friday that the war could end soon, without explaining how. Meanwhile, Iranian and Qatari officials continued negotiations Sunday, although neither side announced an agreement.
An AP-NORC survey on October 22 found approximately seven in ten Americans wanted Congress to prioritize ending the fighting.
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