A growing number of House Republicans is signaling that they will oppose a massive Pentagon funding boost unless President Trump reverses course on Russia, setting up a bitter intra-party clash during the lame-duck session.
The administration, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is pressing GOP lawmakers to approve at least $350 billion in new military spending as part of a partisan reconciliation package. But several of Ukraine's staunchest Republican allies are furious over Trump's recent moves, particularly a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel into the U.S. to lower fuel prices, and reports that Washington has restricted Ukraine's access to key satellite systems.
These actions have ignited a firestorm among Kyiv's backers in Congress, who argue that the administration is undermining efforts to pressure Moscow. The tension is heightened by legislation championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and signed by Trump last month, which was designed to tighten sanctions on Russia and push it toward a peace deal with Ukraine. Trump's decision to waive those sanctions has instead boosted Putin's war chest, infuriating lawmakers in both parties.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) warned that without a shift in policy, Trump's entire legislative agenda could stall in the lame-duck session. "The Administration's decision to reduce intel sharing to Ukraine & access to Starlink equates to aiding the invader & the war criminal who bombs cities," Bacon wrote on X. "Does the Administration think it will get ANY support for the remainder of the 119th Congress? Their agenda is dead unless they change paths."
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) echoed that sentiment, telling The Wall Street Journal there would be "consequences" if the administration doesn't restore satellite technologies that Ukraine says are vital. "Agencies won't get funding if they're not doing their jobs," Fitzpatrick said.
The threats carry weight, in part because many Republicans who are retiring or were defeated in the midterms no longer fear political retribution from the White House. "There's going to be enough pressure from the Hill that the admin recognizes that they need to back off, to some degree, if they actually want to get something done," a House GOP aide said. "There are enough members who are either not returning, or who are going to — after the elections who [have] lost — who are going to feel, maybe, unshackled from their responsibility to be in lock step with the president."
Hegseth has been a vocal advocate for the record $1.5 trillion defense budget request, calling it a "one-time generational investment." Speaking at an Army conference this week, he insisted the Pentagon would push hard for the $350 billion reconciliation package, which remains stalled over funding disagreements. "We're running fast immediately with the committees to ensure that that reconciliation bill, at a minimum of $350 [billion], potentially more, ultimately fills up what this department needs in order for the president to ensure that we reestablish deterrence and rebuild the military around the world," Hegseth said.
The package includes $17 billion for the Golden Dome missile defense system, $47 billion for munitions production, and $113 billion for the defense industrial base, with over $48 billion for critical minerals. It also allocates $103 billion for autonomous systems and AI, $14 billion for modernizing F-35s and B-52s, and $36 billion for "Warrior Ethos" initiatives like housing and facilities.
With Democrats largely united against the package, GOP leaders need near-unanimous support from their own ranks. Bacon, who is retiring, predicted that Speaker Mike Johnson will struggle to pass not only the Pentagon funding but also other legislative priorities. The Graham sanctions waiver has become a flashpoint, with bipartisan fury growing ahead of the midterms. Meanwhile, Zelensky has slammed the waiver as Russia escalates attacks, and GOP senators are demanding a probe into the Pentagon's role in the Starlink cutoff.
