High Cost of War

The House held remarks under the title “High Cost of War.” Representative George Latimer spoke about the war in Iran, saying it began more than five months earlier, that administration officials estimate its cost at roughly $30 billion while he believes it could exceed $100 billion, and that Congress should examine that spending, which he said could otherwise go to food, schools, and retirement. His remaining remarks during the period addressed other subjects: he criticized plans for a presidential arch in Washington, D.C. that he said would exceed local height limits, and he marked Disability Pride Month and the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act. No other members’ statements on the war’s cost are included in the sampled debate.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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3 statements

George Latimer, NY

Democrat
“The war in Iran could cost more than 100 billion dollars. We could use that money for food, schools, and retirement instead. Congress needs to look closely at this spending.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today more than 5 months since the American people were forced into a war of choice in Iran. As the President’s negotiations fail, Americans are still bearing the expense every day. This is all while Russell Vought and Pete Hegseth claim the cost of the war to be roughly $30 billion, but the President’s request for extra funds puts the true cost at a staggering $100 billion, if not more. With this money, we could have instead paid for: 66 million Social Security retirement checks, 2 years of free school lunch for every child in the United States, 2 million teachers’ salaries, 1 million 4- year college degrees, or the entire SNAP program for a year, serving 40 million Americans in need of food assistance. It is imperative that Congress exercise our congressional oversight authority so that these stratospheric costs receive due scrutiny and the voice of the people we represent may be heard.

George Latimer, NY

Democrat

Linked statement

“President Trump is trying to build an arch named after himself in Washington, D.C., even though it breaks local height limits. He keeps putting his name and face on public buildings and land. He is misusing his office to promote himself instead of serving the country.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as President Trump lays the groundwork for a namesake arch right here in the heart of our Nation’s Capital. Despite the arch’s violation of a height restriction for D.C. buildings, a panel consisting of the President’s allies is likely to permit the plans. Unfortunately, this symbolism of corruption coming from the President of the United States is not novel. Need I remind the American people that he has already demolished the White House Rose Garden, planned to take over a 100-year-old public golf course in Washington, D.C., and plastered two large posters of his likeness on government buildings along The National Mall, just to name a few, and also placing his name on our coinage and currency. Donald Trump is trying at every attempt to enshrine his legacy in Washington, D.C., but legacy doesn’t always mean being remembered for your name. This Nation is not a hotel chain. He is leaving rather a legacy of being the most un-American President we have ever had.

George Latimer, NY

Democrat
“July is Disability Pride Month. The law passed in 1990 helped protect disabled people, and we must keep working to make our country fair and accessible for everyone.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Disability Pride Month. In July of 1990, Congress passed the Americans With Disability Act, also known as the ADA. The passage of this landmark legislation was seen as an international victory for many Americans with disabilities and inspired similar legislation in 181 countries worldwide. The ADA changed the way we view disabilities and brought a level of compassion and understanding for those with a disability, oftentimes invisible. We celebrate this month with pride, for the one in four Americans reported to have a disability and the millions around the world who want to continue without limitations. In the name of furthering the ADA’s mission, we must continue to create a country that is equitable, inclusive, and accessible for everyone, regardless of differences or limitations.

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