Staff Reports
As Christmas approaches with just a week to go, Americans are in a festive frenzy, scrambling for last-minute gifts and holiday goodies. Meanwhile, Congress seems to have forgotten about the merriment entirely, focusing instead on how to burden the American people with yet another staggering bill. This time, they’re attempting to sneak a whopping $100 billion onto the nation’s credit card, showcasing their complete lack of financial discipline compared to the average family’s careful budgeting.
So, how long could this $100 billion last? You might think, “Surely, that could sustain us for months!” Well, think again—this money would be gone in just two and a half months if Congress continues its current spending spree. As if that weren’t enough, the bill itself is a monstrous 1,500 pages long, and it was released late at night, giving barely any time for anyone but a few dedicated souls to read it before a vote. This hasty approach raises eyebrows, especially considering a provision that would protect Congress’s emails from scrutiny—effectively allowing politicians to operate free from the same transparency that regular Americans face daily.
In a shocking twist worthy of a holiday special, this so-called spending bill also includes funding for censorship programs through the State Department. This means U.S. taxpayer dollars would be used to limit free speech online, further encroaching on individual liberties just as we should be celebrating our freedom. Additionally, Congress is reviving vaccine mandates under the guise of “pandemic preparedness.” Given past fiascos related to vaccine rollouts, one must ponder exactly how this aligns with the interests of the American public.
But it doesn’t stop there—this bill even contains curious allocations, like $3 million to inspect inspectors of molasses. No, not for testing the molasses itself, but merely to ensure the inspectors are doing their jobs! Is there a secret molasses crisis brewing that we the public need to know about? And in the spirit of Christmas generosity, there’s also $15 million earmarked for making recycling “more accessible,” despite blue bins dotting every corner of our streets. One might humorously wonder if half the recycling even ends up where it needs to be anyway.
Perhaps most alarming is the provision allowing Congress to give itself a pay raise amidst the economic struggles of its constituents. In the face of rising costs largely prompted by historical spending practices, Congress members are aiming for an additional $6,600 in their pockets. This raises an uncomfortable question: Why should they get a raise for a performance as lackluster as this? With voices from within their ranks expressing disapproval and even a hint of rebellion, it seems the political climate is growing tenser by the day.
As the countdown to Christmas continues, time is of the essence for Congress; they face a hard deadline to produce a new bill or risk shutting down the government for the holidays. It is a cyclical struggle that begs the question—why does Congress perpetually operate in a state of last-minute chaos? The American public finds itself left holding the bag while Congress plays a high-stakes game of fiscal roulette, ultimately sacrificing the country’s financial well-being on the altar of political expediency. It’s high time for a holiday wish for accountability, responsibility, and maybe a little less chaos in D.C.
