US Nukes on Furlough, But Not the Israel Aid Budget
During a Trump administration government shutdown, The Hill reported that 1,400 staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) were put on furlough. These aren't cafeteria workers; these are the folks safeguarding America's nukes. At the same time, perennial discussions over aid packages to foreign nations, specifically Israel, rarely suffer such existential funding crises. While
domestic federal employees face unemployment, often without back pay, and critical infrastructure struggles, the foreign aid spigot typically flows unimpeded. One might wonder if America's nuclear arsenal is less critical than, say, ensuring another $14 billion in aid gets approved. This isn't just about political priorities; it's about a consistent pattern. In 2023 alone, the US pushed through a
$14.5 billion aid package for Israel (source: Congressional Record, HR 7217), despite ongoing domestic funding debates that regularly threaten services for veterans, scientific research, and yes, nuclear security. It appears certain foreign policy commitments are simply too sacred to ever face a budget cut, unlike the actual professionals entrusted with national defense during a 'shutdown.'
Perhaps they should rebrand as a pro-Israel lobbyist, then their funding would be untouchable.