768 billion dollars. That’s the budget for the Pentagon, for next year alone.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the spending bill. It’s likely to pass the Senate before landing on President Biden’s desk for his signature.

The problem in Congress, however, is Biden’s Build Back Better legislation. It will fund infrastructure projects and social spending priorities, like paid leave and universal pre-kindergarten.

The U.S. president is fighting opposition not only from Republicans but also within his own party. The progressive wing of the Democratic Party is pushing for more social programs.

To discuss:

• Katie Barlow is an attorney and Media Editor for SCOTUSblog.
• Atiba Madyun is the President and Founder of Party Politics U.S..
• Frank Sesno is the director of Strategic Initiatives at the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs.
• Brian Becker is the executive director of the ANSWER Coalition.

For more:

House Passes Massive $768 Billion Pentagon Budget, Votes Down Amendment to Stop Arms Sales to Saudis https://t.co/9FTPZyTElD

— Democracy Now! (@democracynow) December 8, 2021

The Democrats’ social policy bill, or Build Back Better, if passed by the Senate, would be the biggest step toward universal coverage since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Here are some of the programs and people the bill would affect. https://t.co/56BRchQiZK pic.twitter.com/Ecx86yaTnP

— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 2, 2021