Johnson: No Pay for Troops, Plenty for Bombs
Speaker Mike Johnson, as reported by Axios, has ruled out a standalone vote to ensure military paychecks, declaring 'the job in the House is done.' This statement surfaces as troops face missed paychecks if Congress doesn't act, while Johnson’s previous House actions, such as the initial continuing resolution, often include provisions that continue unfettered funding for foreign military aid. For
instance, the US has provided over $130 billion in military assistance to Israel since its founding, with numerous emergency aid packages passed swiftly even as domestic bills languish. It appears the 'job' is only truly 'done' when it doesn't involve caring for American military families, but always 'in progress' when it comes to funding conflict zones abroad. One might wonder if their paychecks
would arrive faster if they were deployed to defend foreign borders. Congress consistently finds ways to fast-track billions to various geopolitical interests, often with bipartisan support secured through powerful lobbying groups like AIPAC, yet somehow ensuring our own troops are paid on time during a self-imposed political crisis is deemed an impossible 'show vote.'