According to an analysis by the Heritage Foundation from earlier in August, the current U.S. commitment of $113 billion in aid to Ukraine is costing American taxpayers approximately $900 per household.
Heritage Foundation budget expert Richard Stern sent an email to The Daily Signal regarding the analysis, telling the outlet, “The formal aid packages alone amount to a staggering $113 billion—roughly $900 per American household and almost 12 times the spending cuts promised by House leadership in the annual spending bills.”
Stern pointed to the funds committed to Ukraine being lobbed on top of the massive national debt that has accrued over the years, noting that the interest alone on the $113 billion will see households shelling out roughly $300 in interest on the commitments.
“As with all new federal spending, this $113 billion spending spree was added to our national debt and will cost more than $300 in interest costs per household over the decade. Of course, we’ve given more aid than that, but haven’t paid the bill on it yet.” – Heritage Foundation budget expert Richard Stern
Per an update from the Joint Oversight of the Ukraine Response from late March, Congress has collectively approved the big ticket funding over the course of 13 months.
“Since February 2022, the U.S. Congress has appropriated more than $113 billion for the U.S. Government’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Robust, independent oversight of these funds is essential to ensure the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the U.S. Government’s response efforts.” – Joint Oversight of the Ukraine Response, March 2023
Following Congress’ return from their August recess, some elected officials are already signaling desires to send even more money to Ukraine via a bill presenting itself as providing hurricane relief to Americans.
Victoria Coates, the national security expert at the Heritage Foundation, noted that the additional funds that could be directed to Ukraine following Congress’ break could be to the tune of “$10 billion to $70 billion,” stressing that with such ambiguity, Congress should be a bit weary before immediately giving the funding the green light.
“Estimates of what the administration will request vary wildly from $10 billion to $70 billion, which demonstrates that no one knows what to request because they don’t know what they will do with it. Until we get clarity on a strategy I would be very cautious about voting in support.” – Heritage Foundation national security expert Victoria Coates
Gregory Hoyt is a former contributor to outlets such as Law Enforcement Today and Red Voice Media, and current host of The Breakdown with Greg Hoyt. Based out of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Hoyt is a staunch and outspoken advocate of law enforcement and first responders, while also harboring the unique experience of having spent nearly 5 years in prison. Since then, he's used his unique perspective to offer support and commentary about the criminal justice system. When not working or combating bad ideas, Hoyt also leisurely studies economics, history, and law.