There’s been a trend in the US in military spending in recent years. The president asks for a substantial increase in spending, Congress condemns it as too small, proposes an even bigger one, then the House and Senate take turns trying to outdo one another until the budget has been completely busted.
President Trump tried to get out in front of that trend in February, proposing a far bigger increase in spending than is usual, and bragging about how much it proved he’s pro-military. That did not, however, stop Congressional hawks from reacting as they always do, complaining it is insufficient and vowing to demand more.
Sen. John McCain (R – AZ) and Rep. Mac Thornberry (R – TX) are leading the charge, with the usual collection of ultra-hawks having their back, but also facing the reality that Trump struggled with proposed cuts to justify his already substantial hikes, and they are seeking even more with even less of an idea how to pay for it.
Fear of cuts to the State Department, cuts to foreign aid, and cuts to domestic spending are all going to array some in Congress against the most reckless spending increases, and the McCain faction are getting ready for another round of accusing every opponent of not being sufficiently patriotic.
Analysts say they might be lucky to even get the Trump-proposed hike, however, which was already far above what the anticipated budget was. Analysts are predicting a $40-$45 billion increase, while Trump seeks $54 billion, and McCain seeking in excess of $80 billion.
As ever, Congress will compromise with a budget they can’t really afford, and everyone will be unhappy for not getting their way. In the meantime, they’ll be fighting angrily with one another the whole way.
Does anyone else get the impression that the USA is not a real country but a giant video game you cannot escape from?
Other than the corrupt kangaroo courts that stem from cities to government. It is more like a NIGHTMARE!
Problem is, everyone thinks we have a real government because everyone in office is paid to act so nuts, crazy and over-sexed.
What would actually change this? From doing “penny polls” on tax day many years, the average American’s priorities are well-balanced, with environmental protection / cleanup rivaling military spending. They are shocked to learn that military spending dominates the US budget, and that US military spending is similar to military spending by all other nations combined.
If even 5% of Americans understood this and strongly voiced their opinions to representatives, big changes would happen. Campaign finance reform would help quite a bit also.
Never happen with PUKES in control.
Let’s just clean house once and for all. Round up all the government and put them behind one big fence in the middle of Saudi Arabia without any money, food, or water. They can come back when they tell out loud everyone of their corrupt deeds while working for the government including the military and all their mercenaries.
Then they must agree to be held accountable in a LEGAL COURT put together by WE THE PEOPLE! Otherwise, let them sit and wait for the buzzards.
As it stands the USA only has their CORRUPT KANGAROO COURTS for the rich!
They don’t even care about “butter” anymore, just the “guns” part of the equation.
Republican ruling-class fight to keep 75% of wealth, Democrat middle-class fight to keep their 25% of wealth and they both are dedicated to keeping impoverished the laboring-class lower-half of society.