Splaine: $1 Billion a Day for Iran War Could Fund Vital Services

Columnist argues the staggering cost of the war could be better spent on hospitals, schools, and other community needs.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:05am

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Columnist Jim Splaine argues that the over $1 billion per day being spent on the new war with Iran could be put to much better use, such as funding new hospitals, schools, housing, and other vital services and infrastructure. He provides specific examples of how that money could be allocated to make a real difference in people's lives, rather than fueling death and profit for war profiteers.

Why it matters

The high cost of the war is raising concerns about the priorities of the current administration, with critics arguing the money would be better spent on domestic needs and programs that improve people's lives rather than fund military conflict. This debate highlights the tradeoffs between military spending and investing in social services and community development.

The details

Splaine breaks down how $1 billion could be used to fund 5 new hospital ships, 2 urban hospitals, 25 elementary schools, 1,000 electric buses, 100 wind turbines, 2,000 family homes, 500 homeless shelters, and 10,000 children's playgrounds, among other vital services and infrastructure. He argues this spending would have a much greater positive impact on people's lives than the current military expenditures.

  • The war with Iran started a few weeks ago.
  • The White House is now asking Congress for an additional $200 billion for the war effort.

The players

Jim Splaine

The author of the opinion column arguing against the high costs of the Iran war.

The White House

The current administration that started the war with Iran and is requesting additional funding for military operations.

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What they’re saying

“We will revive the 'warrior ethos' and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.”

— Peter Hegseth, Former co-host, "Fox & Friends Weekend"

“Being woke means knowing that your voice matters and using it to lift others.”

— Barack Obama, President

What’s next

The White House is expected to continue pushing Congress for additional war funding, setting up a debate over military spending versus domestic priorities.

The takeaway

This war is costing over $1 billion per day, money that could be far better spent on vital services and infrastructure that would improve people's lives rather than fuel death and profit for war profiteers. The public should speak up and demand that their tax dollars be used to build up their communities, not destroy them.