Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison Voices Skepticism on Iran War Funding on Morning Newswatch

JOPLIN, Mo. — U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), representing southwest Missouri, expressed strong reservations about additional military spending amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran in his regular interview Friday morning on KZRG's Morning Newswatch.

The conversation covered a range of hot-button issues in Washington, including a reported Pentagon request for more than $200 billion in supplemental funding to sustain Operation Epic Fury—the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that began with massive airstrikes on Feb. 28, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and targeting military infrastructure.

Burlison, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said he doubts the request will pass easily through Congress. "I really suspect that's not going to happen in a normal way," he said. He highlighted the Pentagon's long history of failing audits—"decades" without one—and resistance from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) forensic audits led by Elon Musk. "When you can't pass an audit and you've got one of the most advanced private sector business owners and his team coming in to offer help and you're turning it away, then I have a problem when you come and ask me for more money," Burlison stated bluntly.

While affirming support for the conflict against Iran and noting regional Arab allies' involvement, he opposed extended U.S. ground troops, comparing potential limited actions to operations in Venezuela under presidential authority. He suggested any new funding should pair with spending cuts elsewhere, such as addressing fraud in programs in states like Minnesota and California.

Burlison also addressed the subpoena issued to Attorney General Pam Bondi by the House Oversight Committee—on which he serves—regarding the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He dismissed it as partisan theater by Democrats, pointing out Bondi had already endured hours of questioning in a closed-door Judiciary Committee session. "This is not about getting answers. This is about making a circus," he said, likening it to critics who demand public town halls only for spectacle.

On congressional accountability, Burlison voiced frustration over a recent House vote rejecting greater transparency for a taxpayer-funded settlement account covering sexual misconduct claims involving members or staff. He was among the minority voting to publicly release names tied to settlements, arguing the fund—often shielded by NDAs—should face scrutiny. "I've got nothing to hide," he said. "I don't know why my colleagues wouldn't vote for this."

Regarding Iranian refugees from the conflict, Burlison rejected U.S. responsibility, urging regional allies—many now aligned against Iran—to provide humanitarian support instead.

Burlison also criticized Senate Democrats for prolonging a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now weeks long, which has left TSA agents, FEMA workers, and Coast Guard personnel unpaid or furloughed amid airport delays and security concerns. 

"It's disgusting... that the Democrats are doing this," he said. "It's all about making President Trump look bad."