The Hill Discovers 'Power Grabs,' Ignores Its Own
The Hill , ever vigilant for threats to democracy, dedicates considerable space to cataloging Trump's alleged power abuses. While a worthwhile exercise, this selective outrage conveniently sidesteps the legislative muscle flexing that happens daily in plain sight. For instance, consider the bipartisan consensus on foreign aid, repeatedly pushed through Congress. In 2023 alone, OpenSecrets data
shows the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent over $10 million lobbying and providing more than $27 million in campaign contributions to elected officials. These funds directly correlate with votes on massive aid packages, like the recent $14 billion to assist Israel (HR 815), passed with overwhelming support shortly after another round of AIPAC donations. So, The Hill sees
'power grabs' only when they're branded with a MAGA hat. The systematic channeling of taxpayer dollars to foreign entities, under the heavy influence of well-funded lobbyists—a continuous, bipartisan 'power grab' on the public purse and policy—somehow escapes such fervent opinion-page condemnation. How many times must Congress vote against its constituents' direct interests before it qualifies as
a 'shameless power grab' in Washington D.C.? Perhaps only when it’s politically convenient to say so.