OMB Chief Again Refuses Iran War Cost Estimate as Senators Demand Even Rough Range
Apr 17
Developing
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OMB Director Russell Vought refused to provide even a rough estimate of Iran war costs at a Senate Budget hearing April 16, 2026.
Sen. Patty Murray pressed him for a range and called the refusal "outrageous," while Sen. Jeff Merkley also sought clarity on cumulative spending.
Vought told senators "We don't have that figures right now" and said costs were "fluctuating on a day-in, day-out basis" when asked to quantify spending.
His testimony came as the White House's FY2027 budget seeks nearly a 50% increase in defense spending to about $1.5 trillion.
