Congressman says he will not back more war funding without an endgame and cost estimate

A congressman said he would not support additional funding for the war unless the president provides a clear plan, an endgame and an estimate of the costs.

The exchange opened when a questioner asked, "Congressman, why should congress approve more funding if the president's reasons for this war are nebulous at best?" The question framed the discussion around whether the administration has provided sufficient justification for further military spending.

Responding, the congressman said, "We should not approve the funding. There has not been a plan." He criticized the administration for failing "to talk about what the endgame plan is" and for not disclosing "what the cost is," saying those omissions mean Congress should not continue to fund what he characterized as a "war of choice." He added, "I, for 1, would not vote for it, unless we get a plan."

The congressman linked the funding debate to domestic concerns, saying the only thing that would continue were "his tax cuts to the super rich" while Americans continued to face higher health-care costs, rising food prices and inflation. He also cited administration actions toward Venezuela and comments about Cuba, and used a rhetorical critique of the defense establishment, saying the Department of Defense had shifted toward a "Department of War."

The transcript contains no record of a formal motion, vote or a detailed plan being presented during this exchange. The remarks do not include specific cost figures or legislative next steps.

No agencies, statutes or bills were named in the transcript; the discussion focused on whether further funding should be authorized absent a clear plan or cost estimate.