Trump urges Congress to prioritise $350bn defence package

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has asked congressional leaders to make approval of a $350 billion defence package their top priority when lawmakers return, saying the funding is needed to preserve American military strength.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said the proposed funding is part of Reconciliation 3.0 and should be moved quickly out of the Budget Committee. He also called for it to advance alongside the proposed Save America Act.

Trump said the US military remained in a strong position, pointing to what he described as record morale and recruitment figures that had reached historic levels ahead of schedule. Referring to a recent national event, he said the armed forces’ capabilities had been demonstrated during celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.

He also appealed directly to leaders in both chambers to speed up the process. "I am calling on House and Senate Leadership to make this their Number One Priority, and ensure that 350 Billion Dollars in Recon 3.0 moves out of the Budget Committee as soon as Congress is back in session."

Trump said the Save America Act, together with full Pentagon funding, could be passed swiftly to help ensure the United States stays secure in the years ahead.