Trump administration seeks $87.6 billion in funding, largely tied to Iran war
via Egypt Today1 min read
The Trump administration on Wednesday requested Congress approve $87.6 billion in supplemental funding, primarily for the war with Iran. The request, detailed on the White House website, includes $67.15 billion for military purposes. This additional funding is intended to cover operational costs for the Iran war, such as military personnel expenses, readiness, replenishing weapons stockpiles, and classified programs. The military portion also allocates $21 billion for procuring munitions, strengthening the US industrial base, and supporting critical capabilities. This request follows last year's appropriation of approximately $1 trillion and a further $1.5 trillion in defense spending sought by Trump for the upcoming fiscal year. The funding request was made as the Republican-controlled Senate approved a symbolic measure requiring President Trump to obtain congressional authorization before continuing military action against Iran, highlighting ongoing congressional debate regarding presidential war powers and US involvement in the conflict.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Dr. Badr Abdelatty met with Barham Salih, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, on Thursday to discuss enhancing joint cooperation and exchanging views on refugee-related issues. Ambassador Salah Abdel-Sadek, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs, also attended. Minister Abdelatty praised the UNHCR's role as a partner in the Joint Platform on Migration and Asylum, which supports refugees' and migrants' access to health and education. He highlighted Egypt's new Law on Asylum as a historic step to strengthen the national legislative framework for asylum, aligning with Egypt's regional and international obligations. The Minister emphasized coordination with the UNHCR during the law's development. He also noted the significant burdens on Egypt from hosting large numbers of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants who receive basic services equally with Egyptian citizens, without discrimination or the establishment of camps, which creates increasing economic burdens. He stressed the need for refugees to legalize their status according to national regulations.
Must ReadPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih have urged greater international support for Egypt, which hosts over 10.5 million foreigners, migrants, and refugees. During a meeting, El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt has not used the refugee issue for political gain and highlighted the need for burden- and responsibility-sharing. The president also reviewed Egypt's efforts to provide basic services within its capacity, respecting Egyptian laws and international obligations, and called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of displacement. Salih praised Egypt's efforts and the sustainability of services provided, stressing the need for international support commensurate with the country's substantial burdens. He welcomed Egypt's new national asylum system and the creation of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs, reaffirming UNHCR's readiness to provide support. Salih also briefed El-Sisi on the agency's future strategy to reduce refugee numbers globally and expressed a desire for continued cooperation with Egypt, recognizing its pivotal regional and international role. El-Sisi congratulated Salih on his new position and reaffirmed Egypt's appreciation for its cooperation with UNHCR in protecting refugees and asylum seekers.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated that Egypt has not used the refugee issue for political gain during a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. President El-Sisi emphasized the need for burden- and responsibility-sharing and increased international support for Egypt, which hosts over 10.5 million foreigners, migrants, and refugees. He highlighted Egypt's commitment to providing basic services within its capabilities while adhering to national laws and international obligations. The President also called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of displacement, including political, security, and economic challenges, to foster sustainable development, peace, and stability in countries of origin. High Commissioner Salih praised Egypt's efforts in hosting millions and acknowledged the substantial burdens on the state, stressing the importance of strengthening international support. He also welcomed Egypt's steps to establish a new national asylum system, including the creation of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs, and reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to provide support. Salih briefed El-Sisi on UNHCR's future work and strategy to reduce global refugee numbers, expressing a desire for continued cooperation with Egypt.