President Joe Biden was criticized for saying Sept. 25 that his “Build Back Better Agenda costs zero dollars.”
“My Build Back Better Agenda costs zero dollars,” the tweet said. “Instead of wasting money on tax breaks, loopholes, and tax evasion for big corporations and the wealthy, we can make a once-in-a-generation investment in working America. And it adds zero dollars to the national debt.”
Democrats are trying to unify behind an infrastructure framework and a $3.5 trillion spending package. The House will begin to debate the infrastructure bill Monday. Pelosi delayed the official vote to Thursday in hopes to coalesce her party and its members, although many reportedly voiced their doubt that the party leader’s endeavors will work in time.
Biden is also trying to encourage his party and the country to support his agenda, including the $3.5 trillion spending package.
Many, particularly Republicans, criticized Biden for the statement. (RELATED: Biden Defends His Administration’s Record Amid Low Approval Numbers, Multiple Crises)
My Build Back Better Agenda costs zero dollars.
Instead of wasting money on tax breaks, loopholes, and tax evasion for big corporations and the wealthy, we can make a once-in-a-generation investment in working America.
And it adds zero dollars to the national debt.
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 26, 2021
Former Republican Utah Congresswoman Mia Love criticized Biden in a tweet by stating his claim was not true and a reason why “Americans don’t trust leaders in Washington.”
This is simply not true. And it’s a perfect example of why Americans don’t trust leaders in Washington. https://t.co/pdWm1EfBD7
— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) September 26, 2021
Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and Republican New York Rep. Lee Zeldin said that the program will cost trillions of dollars.
Biden thinks his $3.5 trillion reckless spending plan “costs zero dollars”?
He is very confused. https://t.co/aNUyBnq5Up
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 26, 2021
MANY trillions of dollars in new spending “costs zero dollars”? Sure thing Big Guy.🤥 https://t.co/FPfL9qJk6w
— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) September 26, 2021
Republican Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack tweeted that Biden’s claim was “completely false.” He also called Biden’s agenda the largest spending spree in American history.
This is completely false. The largest spending spree in government history will cost “zero dollars”? That defies logic and basic math. Alongside massive tax increases, it will add trillions to the debt. Peddling false narratives won’t change those facts. https://t.co/vrnxF58LX9
— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) September 26, 2021
Others shared similar sentiments.
This is a 46 word compound lie https://t.co/dkazI8UnX2
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) September 26, 2021
A retired veteran running for Congress took Biden’s tweet as an opportunity to make a point.
It still is going to cost somebody nothing is free Joe. In the end it will be the poor and middle class. https://t.co/rbUvjIb7aM
— Samuel Williams (@votesamuelwill1) September 26, 2021
Biden has been defending his work while dealing with crises in his first 8 months or so at the helm.
Tensions and COVID-19 cases increased in recent weeks over mixed messaging from the Biden administration regarding the pandemic. The Taliban regained power and U.S. troops were killed in a terrorist attack by ISIS-K during the fallout from the exit of American troops from Afghanistan. Disagreements over the Build Back Better plan and bipartisan infrastructure bill caused gridlock in Congress and a border crisis is overwhelming U.S. Customs and Border Protection.