House to pass new $1 billion foreign aid program for food security

GOP leaders have remained in the witness protection program as Obama fundamentally transforms this country.  Nowhere has their dereliction of duty been more evident than in their refusal to challenge Obama – using legislation, such as the budget, as leverage – on his war on our sovereignty and security.  Whether it’s on the Iran deal, the flood of immigrants across the border, Islamic refugees, the Muslim Brotherhood or sanctuary city and sanctuary nation policies, Republican party elders have remained largely silent.

At last, later today amidst their endless vanity legislation, the GOP plans to get serious about national security.  No, they do not plan to address the aforementioned imminent and existential threats to our national and homeland security; they plan to pass a $1.06 billion pork bill to address…food security in developing countries!

Here is the official title of the bill (H.R. 1567) from the primary sponsor, Rep. Chris Smith(R-NJ):

To authorize a comprehensive, strategic approach for United States foreign assistance to developing countries to reduce global poverty and hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, promote inclusive, sustainable agricultural-led economic growth, improve nutritional outcomes, especially for women and children, build resilience among vulnerable populations, and for other purposes.

In other words, this is yet another international pork bill designed to throw money at third world countries, on top of our existing foreign aid programs, so that Republicans can feel good about themselves.  The bill is co-sponsored by over 80 Democrats.

Taxpayers already foot the bill for almost $34 billion in foreign aid, not including extra money funneled through the Overseas Contingency Operations account.  The notion that Congress would invest in another $1 billion international food program as a way of prioritizing national security is absurd.  And like all such programs, this one will be a magnet for parasitic rent-seeking NGOs to create a livelihood for liberal international humanitarian workers.

Republicans are fast-tracking this bill later this evening under “suspension,” which means it likely has more than two-thirds support and is not subject to amendments or extended debate.  To begin with, any bill that authorizes $1 billion in new spending should not be placed on the suspension calendar, which is usually reserved for naming post offices.

It’s not as if there is no better way for Republicans to utilize the remaining months of this Congress, especially as it relates to homeland security.  The Center for Immigration Studies has posted a list of 97 immigration reform ideas, many of which will help our national security.  Yet, Republicans are content to run out the clock with stale and liberal legislation that cannot be used to draw a bold contrast and win back the White House.

Ironically, in their desire to be well liked among liberals and not appear confrontational, Republicans are losing their entire base without picking up a single new Democrat constituency.

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