The National Priorities Project has produced a new 2-page fact sheet outlining some of the realities of the recent Congressional vote for $100 billion in war funding. The total amount spent thus far–approximately $456 billion–is far more than the $50-$60 billion predicted by the Office of Management and Budget or even the $100-$200 billion predicted by the White House’s economic advisor. Moreover, the current amount does not include “future costs” on programs such as veterans healthcare and disability payments. One study has placed that cost at more than $2 trillion.
According to the National Priorities Project, if the $456 billion would have been spent locally:
- 5.7 million people could have been provided with health care coverage each year since the war began; AND
- 1 million affordable housing units could have been built; AND
- 430,000 school teachers could have been hired since the war began; AND
- 4.7 million students could have received tuition and fees for four years at a state university.
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