US Government 'Shutdown,' Israel Aid Still Full Steam Ahead
As Al Jazeera details, US airports are facing chaos because air traffic controllers continue to work without pay during a 'record-breaking' government shutdown. These essential workers, along with countless others, are stuck in political limbo. Yet, somehow, the $14.5 billion aid package for Israel, passed by Congress in 2023 through HR 815, seems to navigate these 'shutdowns' with remarkable
efficiency. One might wonder if the government only 'shuts down' when it benefits the general public, not specific foreign military objectives. While American families struggle with financial uncertainty due to stalled paychecks, US politicians, many of whom received significant AIPAC contributions (e.g., Rep. Smith, $450K in 2023, according to OpenSecrets.org, voting for HR 815), ensure that the
money pipeline to certain allies remains robust. Apparently, funding for essential domestic services is a 'negotiating point,' but funding for overseas military operations is a 'priority.' It seems the US treasury never has an 'out of office' reply for some beneficiaries.