Reduced Submarine Funding, Increased Police Detective Allocation: Key Points of Biden’s Budget

President Joe Biden has unveiled a $7.3 trillion proposed U.S. government budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which includes tax, spending, and economic forecasts for the world’s largest economy.

Here are some key highlights of the proposal:

IMMIGRATION

The budget includes increased funding for immigration-related expenditures in response to concerns from voters about U.S.-Mexico border crossings by undocumented migrants. The White House is reiterating its previous request for $13.6 billion in emergency funds for border enforcement.

DEFENSE

Biden’s $895 billion national security budget includes reductions in the number of F-35 fighter jets and Virginia-class submarines. The budget also calls for funding for border security, Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and other national security issues, which have been delayed by Republican congressional leadership.

HEALTHCARE

The administration is seeking a 1.7% increase to $130.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services to expand health benefits to a broader population. The budget also includes measures to reduce healthcare costs, such as capping out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs and insulin.

CRIME

The budget allocates $1.2 billion over five years for a violent crime reduction and prevention fund. This fund will support law enforcement agencies in various ways to combat crime, amidst efforts by Republicans to portray Democrats as supportive of movements to “defund the police.”

THE COST OF FOOD

The Department of Agriculture budget requests more funding for programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program, as well as climate-related initiatives. The budget also includes an increase for agricultural research and education.

ECONOMIC FORECASTS

The White House economic forecasts suggest optimism about the U.S. economy, projecting steady growth and inflation rates. The forecasts also anticipate a decline in unemployment rates in the coming years.

These forecasts were made in November and are subject to change based on current economic conditions.