WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee joined Congressman Jason Crow (CO)-06, a combat veteran and Co-Chair of House Democrats’ National Security Task Force, in demanding the Trump Administration provide a full and transparent update to the American people about how much the war with Iran is costing taxpayers. 

In a new letter to President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers demanded an accounting of operational costs placed on the Department of Defense; effects on the oil and energy market; and impacts on inflation, supply chains, and consumer prices, as American families continue to shoulder the cost of this conflict. 

Joining Garamendi and Crow in the letter are fellow members of the House Armed Services Committee, like Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), along with 44 other House colleagues. 

During a July appropriations hearing, Secretary Hegseth testified that the estimated cost of the Administration’s war with Iran was $37.5 billion. Independent estimates place the figure much higher, surpassing $100 billion. The Trump Administration and Republicans now want Congress to approve another $88 billion funding package for the war. 

Working families have been forced to pay more as a result of this war. Energy costs have skyrocketed, making gas, travel, groceries, and goods cost more. If gas prices remain at or above $4 per gallon, which the President has said is “okay” and that he “will never apologize” for, American families will spend at least $90 billion more at the pump this year. 

The lawmakers wrote, “What was billed as a two-week operation is now a full-scale war that has lasted for over 150 days, cost over $37 billion, and claimed the lives of 18 servicemembers. At the same time, prices across the country have gone up significantly, placing the burden of this conflict on American families. By June 9, you had claimed that the war in Iran was almost over 38 times. Instead, the war has continued, leaving Americans across the country with no idea when this war will come to an end and when prices will come down. This uncertainty, and the months of higher costs, have taken a toll, impacting Americans’ ability to budget, plan, and save for the future. These costs are untenable, and the American people deserve better.” 

To read the full letter, click here. 

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