President Biden has called for $100 billion in supplemental funding, much of which includes foreign aid. With the United States now over $33 trillion in debt, it’s more important than ever to scrutinize supplemental funding requests. Here’s a list, via CBS News, of what’s being requested from the current Congress.
$61 billion for Ukraine
As Mitch McConnell (R-KY) openly admitted, the war in Ukraine has become a giant slush fund for the defense industry. Strategically, there is no winning for Americans. There is no scenario in which Ukraine will be able to defeat Russia or push Moscow back beyond the significant chunk of Russia-friendly turf in Ukraine. All of the money being spent there has become a sunk cost for the American taxpayer. It’s a lose-lose unless you happen to own shares with or work for Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed.
$14 billion in Israel assistance
$10 billion is for air and missile defense support. Similar to the Ukraine situation, the money is not going to Israel, but to the U.S. defense industry. Nonetheless, there is a stark difference between the two situations. Israel is on the front line in the fight against a new global jihadist uprising. Ukraine is fighting an inter-Slavic turf war on behalf of NATO.
Moreover, Israel can actually achieve its military objective in the defeat of Hamas, whereas the best Ukraine can hope for is a negotiation over what’s left of its territory. A victory for Israel will pay significant dividends for the West as a whole.
$9 billion for humanitarian needs
If any of this money goes into Gaza or the West Bank, it will be used by Hamas and other radical factions to continue their endless jihad against Israel and the West. American taxpayers should not be subsidizing the welfare of non-Americans. Humanitarian assistance is largely a racket.
$3 billion for submarines
This money will be dedicated to ramping up production at the U.S. Navy’s four public shipyards. Submarines are a critical component of maintaining nuclear deterrence.
$2 billion Indo-Pacific security
A vague request for money to combat China and work with American allies near China. It doesn’t seem specific enough to be helpful.
$11 billion for border security
While advertised as a border security measure, much of the money will go to government agencies tasked with supporting illegal aliens. The Biden Administration remains opposed to actually securing America’s Southern Border.
$2 billion to counter China in developing countries
Another potential slush fund purposed with throwing more money at corrupt leaders than China can throw.
$1 billion for countering fentanyl
Good luck with that.
$1 billion for migrant support
Welfare for illegal aliens.
The vast majority of these funds (75-80%) is a total waste of money, particularly the $61 billion request for Ukraine. Restocking Israel’s arsenal can deliver some bang for your buck. The money deployed to limit China’s prowess should be targeted. Funds that can be deployed to continue America’s qualitative military advantage are generally money well spent. Targeted support is generally good. Vague slush funds are generally bad.