President Joe Biden’s recent actions have sparked controversy and raised questions about his priorities. In late October, he issued two supplemental funding requests, with the first one primarily aimed at supporting Israel’s war on Gaza and Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. This $95 billion National Security Act was passed by the Senate in February, and Biden has been pushing for its approval by House leadership.
Biden’s strong commitment to advancing this military spending proposal is evident in his rare Oval Office address specifically dedicated to marketing the plan. The president designated the funding as “emergency requirements” and ensured that it remained a top priority for Congress, even at the expense of other legislative business. The bill ultimately gives Biden almost exactly what he asked for, showcasing his determination to see it through.
In contrast, the second proposal, which is half the size of the first, focuses on funding domestic programs such as grants to child care providers and disaster relief. Despite personally urging Congress to approve his foreign policy plan, Biden has not mentioned his domestic proposal since October 25. The lack of attention given to the domestic plan raises questions about its seriousness and highlights a disconnect between Washington’s idea of “national security” and the needs of working-class families.
The National Security Act 2024 allocates a significant portion of its budget to military spending, putting the U.S. on track to spend more on its military this year than it did annually during World War II. While the Pentagon receives the majority of the funding, financial hardship continues to rise for many Americans. With 63% of U.S. adults citing rising prices as a source of hardship and 41% struggling to pay for basic needs, the focus on military spending instead of addressing domestic issues is concerning.
One of the key provisions in the domestic plan is a $16 billion extension to the Child Care Stabilization program, which played a crucial role in supporting child care providers during the pandemic. The expiration of stabilization grants has led to a crisis in the child care sector, with programs closing, downsizing, or raising costs. Without new funding, millions of children could lose access to child care, further exacerbating financial hardship for families.
The disparity between spending on military initiatives and domestic programs like child care highlights the skewed priorities in Washington. While billions are allocated to sustain military operations overseas, essential programs that support families and children are left underfunded. The decision to prioritize military spending over addressing domestic needs raises concerns about where the government’s focus lies and who it is truly serving.
In conclusion, President Biden’s push for a significant increase in military spending while neglecting crucial domestic programs like child care underscores the disconnect between Washington’s priorities and the needs of everyday Americans. As financial hardship continues to rise, it is essential for policymakers to reevaluate their spending decisions and prioritize initiatives that support families and promote economic stability at home.