BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Sen. Peter Welch called President Donald Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran “absolutely reckless” on Friday as the administration unveiled a proposed budget seeking record defense spending.
Trump sent Congress a proposed budget for 2027 that asks for $1.5 trillion in defense spending. That is about 40% more than the Pentagon received this year. He cited a need to restock munitions and other supplies amid the war with Iran.
“This is costing us $2 billion a day. He’s going to ask for $200 billion. That’s $1,400 for every Vermont household to pay for this. A $2,000 increase in your gas bill each year. This is terrible,” Welch said.
The boost would be funded by cuts to domestic spending. Trump asked for $73 billion to be cut from agencies that manage climate, housing and education programs.
Welch acknowledged the service of Vermont’s Air Guard in the Middle East. But he said the war is having a negative impact on Vermont families, businesses, farmers and truckers.
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