The U.S. Army needs Congress to approve $3.1 billion to buy 155 millimeter artillery rounds and expand production to quickly replace stocks depleted by shipments to Ukraine and now Israel, an Army official said on Tuesday. The U.S. and allies have sent more than 2 million rounds of 155 ammunition to Ukraine in support of its effort to repel Russia's invasion more than 600 days ago. The U.S. has also sent the artillery to Israel as it fights Hamas. Doug Bush, the chief weapons buyer for the Army, told reporters that supplemental funding currently being considered by Congress as a part of U.S. President Joe Biden's $106 billion request would go to modernize or build 155 millimeter artillery production facilities across many states including Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and California. "The funding will expand production lines, strengthen the American economy and create new jobs," Bush told reporters. The U.S. plans to increase its monthly production rate for 155 millimeter artillery shells to 100,000 in 2025. (Reuters)