Senate Votes $852 Billion; Your Healthcare Still Not Covered
The Hill dutifully reports on the Senate's $852 billion defense spending bill. What they gloss over, of course, is how many of these ‘defense’ dollars funnel directly into the coffers of nations like Israel, often spearheaded by powerful lobbying groups. For instance, Senator Roger Wicker, a vocal proponent of increased defense spending, received $16,750 from AIPAC in 2023, according to
OpenSecrets.org. (Yes, the same Roger Wicker demanding more money for 'national security'.) While Congress endlessly debates the cost of healthcare or education, defense spending is apparently the one sacred cow that requires no fiscal scrutiny. One might wonder if the 'defense' being purchased is truly for American interests, or for protecting strategic geopolitical allies and weapons
manufacturers’ profit margins. After all, how many schools could be built, or insulin prescriptions filled, for $852 billion before we decide perpetual war is a luxury item?