Duckworth, Bennet, Sanders, Van Hollen Release Joint Statement Opposing Spending Package that Funds Trump’s War on Iran

November 12, 2026 Duckworth, Bennet, Sanders, Van Hollen Release Joint Statement Opposing Spending Package that Funds Trump’s War on Iran [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today released a joint statement underscoring their opposition to a government funding deal that does not restrict President Trump’s ability to continue his war with Iran: “The American people have been clear: We must end President Trump’s illegal and disastrous war with Iran. This conflict has driven up the cost of gas, groceries and fertilizer. More than 20 American servicemembers have been killed and hundreds more wounded, while achieving none of President Trump’s stated goals and harming civilians across the region. As we approach the December 11 funding deadline, we should not accept a short-term spending deal that continues to provide billions of additional dollars for President Trump’s war of choice. Any short-term package must include language that restricts the Trump Administration from using appropriated funds to continue his war against Iran. “We know from Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq that these wars can take decades to end—hurting our economy, draining our military resources and making Americans less safe. Meanwhile, Americans all across the country will continue bearing the cost, with higher grocery bills, higher gas prices and a higher toll on our troops. The American people do not want more war in the Middle East—but that is what President Trump has given them. Congress cannot allow Trump to continue his conflict—we must force him to end it. Not doing so will only prolong the American people’s pain and opens the door to further escalation as he has threatened. “When we vote on appropriations, we intend to fund the government and stop funds for this war. It is what the American people demand, and what they deserve.” Duckworth has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s illegal, needless war in Iran since it began. She is one of the Senate Six —the original group of Senators who have been forcing votes on War Powers Resolutions that would cease hostilities in Iran, which Republicans have shamefully blocked fourteen times. Duckworth continues to lead her fellow Senate Democrats in calling for public hearings to investigate how this Administration’s failure to end Trump’s war has taken a widespread physical, emotional and mental toll on troops deployed to the region. She has also committed to voting against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA) unless her amendment to end President Donald Trump’s illegal war against Iran is included. -30- Print Tweet Next Article Previous Article