COSTS OF THE WAR IN IRAN

COSTS OF THE WAR IN IRAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [House] [Page H2452] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COSTS OF THE WAR IN IRAN (Mr. VINDMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, much has been said about the President's war in Iran. He has not made the case clear to the American people about what he is looking to achieve. Regime change from the air may be unlikely and may result in a more extreme, hostile, and dangerous regime than existed before. All of that is true, but what is truly unacceptable is the cost, both in American blood and American treasure. We don't know yet the cost of the war but by some estimates it could cost as much as $1 billion a day. The President has said 4 to 6 weeks, and that translates to $28 to $42 billion. I have heard even more alarming reports from senior DOD officials earlier today. That money won't be spent on lowering working Americans' grocery bills, prescription drugs, and gas at the pump. The most terrifying cost is the six Americans who have been killed, including one who is a constituent that lived in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Yesterday, the Secretary of Defense said it is ``tragic news'' that is reported because the press only wants to make the President look bad. That is outrageous and beyond the pale. This is not about the President. It is not about the Secretary. It is about the servicemembers. The American people are deeply concerned about our sons and daughters dying in a war that just 27 percent support. ____________________