The Pentagon needs Congress to approve $10 billion to replace weaponry sent to Ukraine. Additionally, the Pentagon has not yet received the funds it invested in bolstering forces in the Middle East following Hamas's attack against Israel last October. This reinforcement is aimed at deterring a larger war with Iran or Hezbollah.

The remarks come after the Pentagon unveiled its budget request for fiscal year 2025 last Monday, although lawmakers have yet to pass an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024.

Politico explains that The Pentagon is operating under a continuing resolution that freezes spending at last year’s levels. In addition to the funds spent to support Ukraine, the Department of Defense is still awaiting funding to pay for the reinforcement of US forces in the Middle East since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7h – which amounted to $1.6 billion by the end of January.

According to the Politico report, the DOD estimates that the cost will rise to $2.2 billion if the reinforcement continues for a full year. The funds do not include the ammunition required to intercept UAVs and missiles aimed at naval vessels and cargo ships in the Red Sea.

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