While social spending is pared back, Congress passes the largest defense budget since WWII without much of a debate. Why are Democrats doing this?
By Fred Kaplan, Slate
By an overwhelming margin, the House passed a bill to spend $778 billion on defense next year, $25 billion more than what President Joe Biden had requested. The Senate is expected to second the motion within days.
The sum—a five percent increase over last year’s defense bill—amounts to the nation’s largest military-spending bill since World War II, even adjusting for inflation.
Yet no officials or lawmakers have spelled out why the budget—which includes $740 billion for the Pentagon and $28 billion for the Energy Department’s nuclear-weapons programs—needs to be quite this huge. (Another $10 billion is for defense-related activities by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, and a few other agencie).
Recent Posts
Washington Is Feeling Bullish On Nukes Again
Take Action NowWith the help of a former senator, Washington is angling towards Armageddon.By Wiliam D. Hartung, Tom DispatchA…
Is A Gaza Ceasefire Deal Actually Close?
Take Action NowDonald Trump’s decisive role in pushing forward the potential ceasefire is evidence that Joe Biden refused to use his…
Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan Is A Racist Racket
Take Action NowTrump’s mass deportation plans are a racist racket with deep roots in U.S. history and law.By Alberto Toscano, In…
Los Angeles Firefighters Begged The City Not To Cut Funding
Take Action NowLess than a month ago, LA’s Fire Chief warned Mayor Karen Bass of “unprecedented operational challenges”.……