A splinter group of moderate Republicans is threatening to scrap the $88 billion Iran war spending bill unless US troops are returned to Poland.
Led by frequent Trump critic Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a small cadre of GOP lawmakers could block the emergency spending bill, which also includes farm aid and money to fight the Ebola virus. Bacon and his allies are trying to force the White House to fulfill its plan to replace the 4,200 American troops who were suddenly withdrawn from Poland last month.
Only three defects could cause serious problems for Speaker Mike Johnson, given the small number of Republicans in Congress and expected strong Democratic opposition to the measure, and concerns from GOP donors about writing such a large check.
The standoff is the latest clash between Republican defense hawks and a Trump administration that has largely ignored GOP concerns about withdrawing forces from Europe — part of a larger White House push to force European nations to shoulder more of their national security burden.
“We had five brigades, and we’re down to three now,” Bacon said of US forces in Poland, considered a key US ally. “It’s not satisfactory. … If they want my support on an extension, they better come and deal with it,” added Bacon, who described himself as a “motivational speaker.”
This month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon will conduct a six-month review of US forces in Europe, and blasted NATO allies who refused to throw military support behind America during the Iran war.
“I stand with Don,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-Penn.), adding that he wanted answers from the Pentagon about why the department is reversing course on an “unquestionable policy” that has lasted for generations.
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), also a member of the Armed Services panel, said while he would still support the extension, “we won’t have the votes to pass it without those two.”
The White House, the Defense Department and Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The sudden cancellation of the deployment of 4,200 troops to Poland in May surprised US lawmakers, military leaders and Polish officials. Two senior Polish defense ministry officials were immediately dispatched to Washington as Warsaw raced to find out what had happened.
At the time, Bacon said it was “a slap in the face to the Armed Services Committee,” and panel Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) told Army Secretary Dan Driscoll that his committee was “not happy.”
In the days following the Pentagon’s announcement, President Donald Trump said he would send 5,000 more troops to Poland “based on the successful election of the current President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, whom I was proud to support.”
But the soldiers have not been sent yet.
Rep. Joe Wilson (RS.C.), also a member of the Armed Services Committee, said he hoped the veto from the extension would not be necessary, and that the Pentagon would soon replace the troops.
“I think it will pass,” he said.
