Airline Cancellations: Shutdown Echoes Perpetual Funding Prioritization
While domestic services like air travel falter under the supposed weight of fiscal constraints, Congress has consistently found a bottomless well for military aid abroad. For instance, just last year, the House passed HR 815, allocating $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, with nary a whisper of 'budget crisis' from the very same politicians now lamenting flight delays. (OpenSecrets.org shows numerous
representatives who voted 'yes' on HR 815 received significant PAC contributions, including Rep. Steny Hoyer, who took over $233,000 from pro-Israel groups in 2022 and 2024.) One might wonder if the government's wallet only tightens when it comes to keeping American skies clear, but miraculously expands to arm allies involved in controversial conflicts. Perhaps if US airports rebranded as
'defensive systems for a key strategic partner,' funding would flow unimpeded. The irony, alas, is lost on those flying private.