The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the far-left organization [whose candidates have won primaries against Democrats and are now] the Democrat Party [candidates in several congressional races around the country], has made many promises, from Medicare for all to a 32-hour workweek.
The White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) released an analysis of the policies last week estimating they would [cost] nearly $49 trillion over the next 10 years…
The 92-page report, titled “The Real Cost of Socialism in America,” examined eight elements of the DSA’s “Workers Deserve More” agenda, including:
Seven of those policies were evaluated against the federal budget and are estimated by the CEA to cost $52.84 trillion from 2027 through 2036, according to the report.
A proposed 5% annual wealth tax on billionaires would generate an estimated $3.94 trillion, bringing the net fiscal burden to $48.9 trillion.
“This amounts to approximately $355,000 per American household,” the report said, adding that the spending would have to be financed through additional debt (government borrowing money) or higher taxes.
Medicare for All accounts for most of the projected cost. The CEA estimated the single-payer system would add $47.4 trillion to federal deficits over the decade after accounting for projected administrative and Medicaid savings.
Canceling student debt and providing free undergraduate tuition would cost between $2.1 trillion and $3.6 trillion, depending on whether free tuition extended to private colleges. The report used the higher figure in its overall calculation.
The report estimated the DSA’s mandated 32-hour workweek would cost $918 billion, Green New Deal policies $370 billion and universal rent control about $16 billion.
The DSA has also promised open borders and amnesty for all illegal immigrants which is estimated to cost between $440 billion and $613 billion over 10 years. This assumes a lifetime net fiscal cost for every illegal immigrant of $166,716. Amnesty, in particular, is projected to cost between $36 billion and $47 billion due to welfare programs.
The CEA estimate didn’t evaluate all of the costs or savings of DSA proposals, such as moving toward abolishing police and prisons, defunding the Department of War and abolishing the Senate.
The White House published the report as Republicans focus on DSA-backed candidates who made surprising gains in primaries across the country.
“The Democrats’ embrace of communism and socialism is not only an existential threat to our nation’s fundamental values, but also a complete disaster for American families who would pay trillions to fund these out-of-touch ideas,” said White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales.
Republicans contend that the rise of DSA candidates deepens a split between moderate and progressive wings, making it harder for mainstream or centrist Democrats to govern or appeal to general election voters. GOP leaders argue that DSA-backed members will pull the entire Democratic Party sharply to the far left, dictating policy on the economy, immigration, public safety, and social issues.
The CEA report comes as the DSA has gained greater electoral prominence.
The organization said its membership reached a record 120,000 this summer while DSA-backed candidates won a series of Democrat primaries.
Compiled and adapted from articles published at Newsmax Wires, NY Post and The National Pulse and on Oct. 1. Posted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced without permission.
1. After analyzing the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)'s "Workers Deserve More" platform, how much did the White House's Council of Economic Advisers estimate it would cost Americans/the government over 10 years?
2. How much did the CEA estimate Medicare for all will add to the federal deficit over 10 years?
3. Canceling student loan debt and giving all students free college tuition could cost up to $3.6 trillion. What do you think:
a) Current college tuition, room & board and expenses ranges from $25,000 to $65,000 (from In-state public to Private colleges). Should students question the exorbitant amount the universities are charging for these degrees?
b) What about those who don't go to college? Should they get an equal amount of money?
c) If the college degree is of value, should students have to pay something for it?
4. How does the DSA propose changing workweek hours? How will that affect salaries? What will it cost over 10 years?
5. a) What are 3 proposals from the DSA's platform that the CEA did not evaluate costs or savings for?
b) Do you support these DSA proposals? For each one, explain your answer.
6. a) In a recent Gallup poll, 57% of Americans ages 18 to 34 view socialism favorably. Why do you think this is so?
b) Do you think those who support the DSA know what their goals are? Do you? Read the DSA's "Workers Deserve More." Ask a parent to do the same and discuss your reaction.
7. Watch the videos under "Resources" below of liberal talk show host Bill Maher discussing the Democratic Party and the DSA. Do you agree/disagree with his main points? Explain your answer.
From the DSA's "Workers Deserve More" platform, some of the policies the Democratic Socialists aim to enact are:
Read the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) "Workers Deserve More" platform, which was released in June, detailing the policies they will enact if elected.
Read the White House report "The Real Cost of Socialism" analyzing the DSA's platform.
Current Democratic Socialists in Congress include:
Current NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also a Democratic Socialist
Those running for U.S. House seats for the first time include: