Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) stated on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, that Congress should prioritize funding for the military and munitions over a proposal by President Trump to issue $5,000 dividends to American adults. Speaking on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Flood said that while he wants to see the specific details of the dividend plan, the current priority during the Iran war must be the replenishment of Pentagon stockpiles.
The proposed dividend, announced by President Trump on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, would provide $5,000 to approximately 270 million American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress following the November midterm elections. The proposal follows a previous $1,776 dividend issued to U.S. service members last holiday season, which was funded by reallocating money from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Flood, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, compared the dividend proposal to tax cuts, noting that if it increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it should be considered. However, he emphasized that defense needs are more pressing. Earlier this summer, the Trump administration requested $67.1 billion in additional defense funding, including $21 billion for munitions, as the Iran war entered its seventh month and depleted stocks of missile interceptors.
The proposal has faced criticism from other Republican lawmakers who suggest the payments could contribute to inflation. Former Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) characterized the plan as a "socialist vote-buying scheme."
Service members and their families are also affected by these funding priorities. During a federal government shutdown in 2025, Rep. Flood and other lawmakers reported that junior enlisted personnel faced financial hardships, including difficulty paying rent and relying on food pantries. A shift in funding focus toward the Pentagon, including the $17.3 billion requested for operational costs, would likely affect the stability of pay and reimbursements for individuals serving in the U.S. armed forces.
The decision sets a precedent for how the federal government balances domestic direct-payment programs against international military commitments during active conflict. If the dividend proposal moves forward, it would follow the model of the OBBBA tax cuts implemented last year. However, the immediate focus remains on the legislative response to the ongoing Iran war and the upcoming midterm elections in November 2026. No specific date for a vote on the dividend proposal has been reported.