Hassett says US has ‘got what we need’ on funding for Iran conflict

The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated in recent weeks, with the Trump administration facing criticism from lawmakers and experts over its handling of the situation. The administration has been accused of not providing sufficient funding for the conflict, while also being criticized for its use of war powers.

What Happened

The conflict between the US and Iran began in early January, when the US launched a drone strike that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran retaliated with a missile strike on a US military base in Iraq, killing several American soldiers. The US has since launched several airstrikes on Iranian targets, including a recent strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed several civilians.

Why It Matters

The US-Iran conflict has significant implications for the Middle East and the world at large. The conflict has the potential to escalate into a full-scale war, which could have devastating consequences for the region and the global economy. The conflict also raises questions about the use of war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military action.

What Experts Say

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has said that the Trump administration has "got what we need" in terms of funding for the conflict, despite estimates that the war could cost up to $11.3 billion. However, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has criticized Congress for being "feckless" in allowing President Trump to expand his war powers without sufficient oversight.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has defended the Trump administration's actions, saying that the strikes on Iran are "finishing" a decades-long war with leaders in Tehran. However, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has called for a thorough investigation into the recent strike on the Iranian girls' school, saying that the US needs to be careful about the consequences of its actions.

Key Numbers

• $11.3 billion: Estimated cost of the US-Iran conflict
• 50 years: Length of time that the US has been at odds with Iran, according to Mike Pence
• Several: Number of American soldiers killed in Iranian missile strike on US military base in Iraq
• Several: Number of civilians killed in recent US strike on Iranian girls' school

Key Facts

• Who: President Trump, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Sen. Cory Booker, Former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Mark Warner
• What: US-Iran conflict, use of war powers, funding for conflict
• When: Early January, recent weeks
• Where: Middle East, US, Iran
• Impact: Potential escalation into full-scale war, devastating consequences for region and global economy

What Comes Next

The US-Iran conflict is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months, with the potential for further escalation. The Trump administration will likely face continued criticism from lawmakers and experts over its handling of the situation, and Congress may take steps to limit the president's war powers. The international community will also be watching the situation closely, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In a related development, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has rebuked Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr's threats to revoke broadcasters' licenses over TV networks' news coverage of the conflict. Johnson said that he is a "big supporter of the First Amendment" and does not like "heavy-handed government" interference in the media.

> "I am a big supporter of the First Amendment. I do not like the heavy-handed government, no matter who is wielding it." — Sen. Ron Johnson, (R-Wis.)