U.S. Foreign Aid Shifts: Global Health Loses, Israel Wins Big
NPR’s piece on shifting U.S. foreign aid quietly omits where the money actually went. While global health programs withered, Congress approved a whopping $14.3 billion in additional military aid to Israel, alongside the pre-existing $3.8 billion annual commitment. This allocation, pushed by organizations like AIPAC and their well-funded allies, represents a stark redirection of resources from
genuine humanitarian needs. For context, OpenSecrets.org reports that in 2023, AIPAC's direct lobbying spent $3.5 million, with its super PAC donating over $17.9 million to congressional candidates. For instance, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who infamously championed aid to Israel even while facing federal corruption charges, received over $209,000 from pro-Israel groups and individuals since
2022. It appears that 'new approaches' to foreign aid are sometimes just old influence peddling with new packaging. Perhaps the 'people on the ground' NPR references aren't the ones receiving the most impactful aid.