Progressive Caucus formally opposes more money for Iran war |
Progressive Caucus formally opposes more money for Iran war
Leaders of the House Progressive Caucus announced Wednesday that the group will oppose any more funding for the Iran war.
Behind Chairman Greg Casar (D-Texas), the CPC is attacking President Trump’s expected $200 billion request for more war funding as an “outrageous” waste of taxpayer dollars that would be better spent at home.
“We must end this war now,” Casar said during a press briefing in the Capitol. “Democrats must unite against this outrageous request. We should join together to block the request and stop the war as best we can.”
The development is no surprise. Many members of the CPC have said individually that they’ll oppose more funding for the Iran conflict. And they’ve been joined by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and other Democratic leaders, who are also ready to oppose another boost in Pentagon funding unless Trump comes to Congress to approve the use of military force.
Still, with almost 100 members, the CPC is a formidable force within the Democratic Caucus, reflecting the sentiments of the same liberal base voters the party is trying to mobilize heading into November’s midterms. The group’s formal opposition to more war funding puts additional pressure on Democratic leaders in both chambers to hold the line against the Iran conflict and focus instead on the domestic economy, particularly rising costs under Trump.
With that in mind, CPC members are highlighting where they’d prefer to see $200 billion spent, including programs to expand health care subsidies, cover pre-K education costs, build more........