Fact Check: The U.S. is spending vastly more on Pentagon (military) budgets — about $8.3 trillion over 10 years — while more modest sums (~$1.9T for COVID stimulus, ~$550B for infrastructure, ~$1.75T for reconciliation) have been allocated toward Biden's economic agenda, depicted as dwarfed by military spending.

Fact-Check: U.S. Military Spending vs. Biden's Economic Agenda

What We Know

The claim states that the U.S. is spending approximately $8.3 trillion on Pentagon budgets over the next decade, while only modest amounts are allocated for Biden's economic agenda, including around $1.9 trillion for COVID stimulus, $550 billion for infrastructure, and $1.75 trillion for reconciliation.

According to the Costs of War project, the U.S. has appropriated and is obligated to spend an estimated $8 trillion for post-9/11 wars, which includes military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as future obligations for veterans' care. This figure encompasses direct military spending and associated costs, which have been funded largely through debt. The Pentagon's base budget has also increased significantly, with military spending projected to be around $899 billion in recent years, according to U.S. Federal Budget data.

In contrast, the federal spending allocated for Biden's economic agenda includes approximately $1.9 trillion for COVID-19 relief, $550 billion for infrastructure projects, and about $1.75 trillion for reconciliation efforts, as outlined in various government spending reports (COVID Relief Spending, Government Relations Updates).

Analysis

The claim that military spending vastly outstrips Biden's economic agenda is supported by the data from multiple credible sources. The $8.3 trillion figure for military spending over ten years is consistent with the estimates provided by the Costs of War project, which details the extensive financial obligations associated with military operations and veterans' care (Costs of War).

In comparison, the total of $4.2 trillion allocated for Biden's economic initiatives (combining COVID relief, infrastructure, and reconciliation) is significantly lower than the military budget. This stark contrast highlights the prioritization of military expenditures over domestic economic initiatives.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The Costs of War project is a well-regarded academic initiative that provides comprehensive data on the financial costs of U.S. military engagements. The COVID Relief Spending and Government Relations Updates sources are official government reports, which further substantiate the figures related to Biden's economic agenda.

However, it is essential to consider the context in which these expenditures occur. Military spending is often justified by national security concerns, while economic spending is aimed at recovery and infrastructure development. The framing of these expenditures can influence public perception and policy discussions.

Conclusion

The claim that the U.S. is spending vastly more on military budgets—approximately $8.3 trillion over ten years—compared to the more modest sums allocated for Biden's economic agenda is True. The evidence from credible sources clearly demonstrates that military spending significantly exceeds the financial commitments made towards economic recovery and infrastructure projects.

Sources

1. COVID Relief Spending
2. US Federal Budget | Costs of War
3. Government Relations Updates
4. It's Time to Rein in Inflated Military Budgets | Scientific American
5. Trump White House Proposes $1 Trillion Military Budget
6. How much does the US spend on the military?
7. Biden vs. Trump Economic Plans Compared - Investopedia
8. Cost of National Security: Counting How Much the U.S. Spends