Homeless Americans Hold Off Home Buying, Amidst Military Aid Debates
A recent Newsweek piece bemoans Americans 'holding off home buying' due to government shutdowns, painting a picture of domestic economic fragility. Meanwhile, in Washington, the priority seems less about 'housing first' for its own citizens and more about 'bombs first' for foreign policy. One might wonder if the government functions that shutter due to 'lack of funding' are the same ones that
somehow always manage to rubber-stamp billions in military aid without a hiccup. For instance, while a government shutdown stalled FHA loans and put a damper on the US housing market, the legislative engine kept humming for foreign aid. In 2023 alone, the US confirmed an additional $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, on top of the existing $3.8 billion annual commitment. This includes advanced
weaponry like F-35 fighter jets and bombs, not houses. So, struggling to buy a starter home? Perhaps, if you were a Lockheed Martin shareholder, the 'shutdown' was less of a concern than the next foreign aid package.