Senate Democrats have asked for another $21 billion to fight coronavirus and other outbreaks. That’s after $4.3 trillion in federal funds have been allocated so far to Covid-19 related spending.
At what point do Americans say “enough is enough"?
Democrats argue the funds will be needed to combat the coronavirus “and prepare for other emerging outbreaks, including potentially monkeypox, hoping to boost tests, treatments and vaccines in response to growing public health threats,” The Washington Post reported.
It’s part of a package of bills to fund the government for the next fiscal year that’s mostly written by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Of the total, $16 billion would be set aside for a key program at the Department of Health and Human Services to fight the coronavirus, through tests, vaccines, medical supplies, and research for existing and future strains, The Washington Post reported.
Another $5 billion would be used to support other countries fighting the pandemic.
It has been two-and-a-half years since the outbreak of Covid-19. Out-of-control spending can no longer be justified by saying it’s used to fight the coronavirus or to research existing and future strains.
Congress must do a better job of justifying this insane level of spending. And if it can’t, it must respect the taxpayers — who fund the spending — and go back to the table and make cuts.
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