Budget proposals are often revised as they move along their way to Congress for approval. They are filled with numbers, symbols, trials and tribulations but they often stand out as a presidential administration's calculated perspective-outlined based on its top priorities for the overall betterment of the country.
The U.S. deficit is at an all-time high in 2017. With that being said, most wonder why an extremely wealthy business mogul such as Donald Trump would request money from the government when his annual income alone leaves him far from ever needing government assistance.
The Trump blueprint on the federal budget raises concerns all around the globe. That globe is now focused directly on the U.S. Congress for answers.
Tempted to touch
As the political drama continues to unfold, millions of people are coming to the defense of some very important government programs now at risk of being budget cut from providing services that are a necessity to the lives of the American people everyday. From the State to healthcare, energy and transportation, here is a short list of some departments, markets, services and programs targeted in this budget crisis:
- State Department
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- The Trump Border Wall
- The Department of Energy
- The Department Of Transportation
- Healthcare
Keep in mind that the budget proposal presented is merely a blueprint, not a complete budget.
Until approved by Congress, there is no exact details on any revenue projections. There are also currently no effects to the government's policy projects or its mandatory spending at this time.
The calculations that divide the nation
In Donald Trump's outline on Thursday, an estimated $1.1 trillion budget has been compiled with a $54 billion request towards military spending.
He also demanded cuts to HUD, EPA, and the Department of State. He also wants the elimination of several other federal programs that have honorable mention, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.
The World Bank would also take a slug, losing an estimated $650 million if the budget is approved.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated in Japan on Thursday that the reason why the State Department is being reviewed for a decrease in their spending is because "the level of spending that the State Department has been undertaking in the past, particularly in this past year, is simply not sustainable."
A budget cut on the EPA will bring back focus to another one of Trump's campaign promises to "shrink the role of government" in American lives and Mick Mulvaney said on behalf of Trump on Wednesday that at least $6.2 billion will be redirected away from HUD in an attempt to "get rid of programs that don't work."
The most notorious request within the budget proposal is the infamous border wall.
It has a $1.5 billion installment payment suggested and then a second but final installment of $2.26 billion being requested for 2018. There is a 13% funding decrease as well addressed to the Department of Transportation with a focus on reducing federal subsidies to locomotives.
The Energy Department faces a 5.6% decrease on the National Nuclear Security Administration. However, the Trump Administration has plans to give $120 million to "restart licensing activities for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository."
In regards to the Department of Health and Human Services, they face their funding being lowered to 18% and the National Institute of Health is said to be losing $5.8 billion in their funding as well.
Trump has indeed released a fighter-powered budget plan. Only time will tell the fate of America and what the American government plans to really do for it when it comes to its spending.