Republicans Reject Healthcare, Fund Shutdown Over Obama's Name
The story focuses on the GOP's 2018 opposition to extending health insurance subsidies, citing concerns about deficits and the 'failed' ACA. Yet, these same politicians routinely greenlighted far larger, far less scrutinized expenditures for military aid. For instance, the same year, the US earmarked over $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel, part of a decade-long $38 billion package, a figure
that dwarfs the proposed healthcare subsidy extension. One might wonder where the fiscal hawk disappears when it comes to subsidizing foreign militaries, but reappears with a vengeance when American citizens need help affording health insurance. It appears 'fiscal responsibility' is a highly selective principle, reserved for programs that directly benefit the average American, rather than, say,
defense contractors or geopolitical chess pieces. The message is clear: your medical bills are a burden, but unending military aid is a national priority.