Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., said on Newsmax Saturday that he wants Congress to closely review the proposed $200 billion supplemental spending package tied to the war in Iran before signing off, warning that unrelated items could be attached to the request, even as he signaled support for funding focused on military needs.
In an interview on "Saturday Agenda," Budd said his priority was ensuring U.S. troops had what they needed as the conflict entered its fourth week.
"My main focus is making sure that the warfighter has what he or she needs to make sure that our country is safe," he said.
However, "let's see what's in that supplemental $200 billion," Budd said. "And it seems like everybody's coming out of the woodwork with non-defense-related things, trying to attach it to that."
His comments came as the Pentagon seeks an additional $200 billion for the war.
Budd, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, tied that position to President Donald Trump's handling of the conflict, saying Trump wants to end the operation quickly rather than let it turn into a prolonged war.
"President Trump is doing what he needs to make our country safe. He does not like long wars, but he wants to get this [done] quickly," he said.
Asked how he viewed the operation's progress and what would amount to mission accomplished, Budd said Trump was being careful not to declare victory too early.
"You don't want to throw out those [promises]. I mean, we've seen a president say 'mission accomplished' when it wasn't quite accomplished," he said.
He also argued that more NATO countries should step up, saying only a handful had backed the effort and that larger militaries in the alliance should do more.
"By the way, out of the 32 countries in NATO, only five, and not even the biggest five, have stepped up and valiantly supported this effort because they realized the threat that Iran is, even though it's degrading if you look … So we need some of the 27 other countries, especially those with bigger militaries, to get involved," he said.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX :
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.