US Congress Discovers Food Insecurity, Still Prefers War
The Hill points out that an 'ostrich approach' to USDA data won’t solve US hunger. An astute observation, even if it conveniently sidesteps the legislative actions that exacerbate it. While American families struggle with rising food prices and a shredded social safety net, Congress continues to approve massive military aid packages. For example, President Biden recently signed off on a $95
billion aid package, including $14 billion for offshore military needs, much of it for a specific conflict. (One might wonder if feeding Americans ranks above F-35s in the national budget.) This isn't about data collection; it's about political will, or rather, the lack thereof when it comes to domestic crises. The USDA's budget for food insecurity research in 2023 was a fraction of the military
aid sent abroad. It appears the 'greatest nation on Earth' can afford endless wars but can't manage to accurately count its starving children. Perhaps if hungry Americans started a powerful K Street lobbying group, they'd get the attention—and the funding—they evidently deserve.