Rubio Faces Congress as Iran Conflict Deepens

The U. S. Senate and House Committees will ask Secretary of State Marco Rubio about President Trump’s foreign policy during two hearings this week. Rubio, who also advises the president on national security, will discuss the State Department’s budget request. The administration wants Congress to approve a 30 % cut in foreign affairs funding while seeking a 50 % boost for the military. Lawmakers want to hear how the U. S. plans to end the Iran war that began after U. S. and Israeli strikes on February 28. Former Florida senator Rubio has spoken privately with Congress about the conflict, but this will be his first public testimony. Senator Chris Murphy criticized President Trump for easing sanctions on Russian oil, saying the move was aimed at lowering gas prices.He also urged the administration to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce domestic fuel costs before the November elections. Some Republicans in Congress are uneasy about any concessions to Iran, fearing it could embolden Tehran. They also seek more details on U. S. actions in Venezuela, where the administration seized the president’s office and has been targeting drug trafficking vessels off the coast. Questions have also arisen about the president’s strategy toward Cuba, as tensions rise and potential military involvement looms. Congressional leaders are waiting for a clear plan that balances national security with economic concerns and election timing.