US Funds Food Stamps with “Thoughts and Prayers” Only
The USDA is warning states food stamp funds will dry up next month if a government shutdown persists, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Congress easily approved another $14.5 billion aid package for Israel, with a separate $100 billion package for Ukraine, Taiwan, and border security still on the table. Apparently, the well-being of starving Americans is a negotiable item, while foreign military
adventures and 'border security' are sacrosanct. One might wonder how quickly a budget could be found if the funding was for, say, more F-35s for a 'key ally' instead of keeping American children from hunger. This isn't a funding problem; it's a priority problem. Congressional votes on aid packages often follow substantial lobbying; OpenSecrets.org shows AIPAC spent over $3.5 million on lobbying
in 2023 alone, with millions more in campaign contributions.