Newly released details of Democrats' massive spending plans include $3 billion for 'tree equity', $12 billion for electric cars, $1 billion more to turn government facilities into 'high-performance green buildings' and millions more for gender identity and bias training.
The text of the Build Back Better Act, released by Democrats on the House Budget Committee on Saturday, for the first time reveals how President Biden's allies plan to spend a whopping $3.5 trillion.
Critics have already seized on one of its most controversial measures: An extra $79 billion for the Internal Revenue Service over the next decade to expand audits and strengthen enforcement.
But deep analysis of its 2465 pages will offer plenty more to skeptical eyes.
The Agriculture committee, for example, is earmarking $3 billion for tree planting, 'with a priority for projects that increase tree equity' - linking Democrats' green priorities with a favored buzzword.
Race and gender-based issues come with smaller spending, but will likely raise hackles among Republicans and moderate Democrats.
The bill includes $25 billion for non-profits to provide 'anti-discrimination and bias training' in health care.
'Tree equity' is poised to be a winner from the Democrats' $3.5 trillion Build Back Better bill. Reading through its 2465 pages reveals plans to spend $3 billion on tree planting, 'with a priority for projects that increase tree equity' - whatever that might be
The text of the Build Back Better Act, released by Democrats on the House Budget Committee on Saturday, reveals how President Biden's allies plan to spend a whopping $3.5 trillion
The proposals contain billions of dollars for tackling climate change, including $12 billion for electric vehicles and infrastructure
President Joe Biden claimed on Saturday that his Build Back Better agenda costs 'zero dollars'
Analysis by Fox News also found that the federal government would benefit from some of the spending. Of $12 billion for electric cars, some $7 billion would go to the U.S. Postal Service and $ 1 billion to convert its fleet.
And the General Services Administration, which supports federal government activities, would get $1 billion to convert its facilities into 'high-performance green buildings' - which are designed to reduce energy consumption - over the next 10 years.
The legislation would also spend billions of dollars to tackle climate change, including President Biden's proposed 'Climate Change Corps.' It would get $7.5 billion for conservation work on public lands.
The scale and scope of the proposals have the ability to shape Biden's entire presidency. But this week they face stern tests, as moderate Democrats scrutinise the legislation and push for a smaller bill costing less than $2 trillion.
On the other side, progressives have made clear they are prepared to hold up a $1 trillion infrastructure plan if there is no progress on the bigger bill.
On Monday, Biden faced allegations of economic illiteracy after the 78-year-old commander in chief claimed his Build Back Better agenda would cost 'zero dollars.
Republican lawmakers immediately seized on Biden's statement and accused him of either lying or being confused
On Saturday night the president tweeted in support of his Build Back Better plan, claiming it adds nothing to the national debt.
But an analysis by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) found the proposals in the agenda would require the US to directly borrow $1 trillion, projecting that nearly $3 trillion would be added to the national debt over the next 10 years.
Biden's progressive agenda is comprised of a $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal, and Democrats' $3.5 trillion reconciliation package which has no Republican support.
The former measure, which passed the Senate in August, would only offset its own costs by about $200 billion according to the CRFB. That leaves $350 billion to be paid.
'My Build Back Better Agenda costs zero dollars,' Biden said Saturday.
'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.'
But Republicans immediately accused the president of lying to the American public.
'Biden’s statement is just patently absurd,' a Washington Examiner op-ed stated. 'Even granting arguendo Biden's dubious claim that the Build Back Better Agenda is “already paid for,” this is wrong on numerous levels.'
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton said Biden 'is very confused' if he 'thinks his $3.5 trillion reckless spending plan
