The True Nature of the $900 Billion Stimulus: How Much Funded Majoritarian Projects?

Recently, a viral claim has been circulating that $702 billion, or around 78%, of the 900 billion dollar stimulus bill is allocated to projects that have no direct relation to helping individual American citizens. This article aims to scrutinize and analyze the claims, providing clarity on the distribution of funds,[1] while also discussing the inherent issues in the bill's structure.

The Complexity of the $5593 Page Bill

The recent 5593 page bill, which combines the provisions for the coronavirus relief and the US government's budget, is not merely a straightforward relief package. Its extensive length and multifaceted nature have fueled discussions and debates about its true intentions and the allocation of funds.

The primary argument presented is that much of the spending in the $900 billion bill is directed at projects that have no significant impact on American citizens. For instance, the bill funds a $1.8 million study on wind patterns in Nepal, $8 million for girls' gender equality programs in Pakistan, and $7 million for a study on school attendance in the Philippines.

The Pork Barrel Provisions and Their Impact

One of the most contentious aspects of this bill is the inclusion of pork barrel provisions, which are designed to benefit specific districts or politicians rather than the general public. These projects are often justified by the representatives themselves as necessary for job creation and long-term economic benefits. However, the impact on the average American citizen is questionable.

Consider the case of a Congressman who allocates funds for a wind patterns study in Nepal. It is indeed perplexing how this project, which has no immediate relevance to the domestic population, could be considered essential in the wake of a global pandemic. The insinuation is that these projects are not intended to benefit citizens but to serve the interests of the lawmakers themselves, possibly encouraging longer terms in office.

The Misnomer of the "Covid Relief Bill"

The categorization of this bill as a “Covid relief bill” is misleading. In reality, the bill is a combination of the coronavirus relief provisions and the annual US budget. The integration of these two previously distinct documents was a strategic move to expedite the passage of the bill and prevent further delays.

While some funds are indeed directed towards immediate relief measures, a significant portion of the bill is dedicated to long-term government operations and various projects that may or may not be directly related to pandemic response. This complex structure makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact purpose of each funding allocation.

Are These Projects Worth the Investment?

The argument that projects funded by the stimulus bill have no relation to helping individual Americans is a sweeping generalization. It is true that not all funded projects have a direct and immediate impact on citizens. However, many projects do contribute to the broader economic well-being, such as creating jobs and improving public infrastructure.

For instance, projects that put unemployed people back to work can have long-term economic benefits, leading to increased consumer spending and economic growth in the years following their completion. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and other social services can have lasting positive impacts on the lives of citizens.

The Future of the Stimulus Bill

Given the controversies surrounding the provisions of the bill, it is likely that many Congress members will express remorse over their actions following the enactment of the bill. The debate is not just about the spending itself but also about the fairness and transparency of the budget allocation process.

As we move forward, it is crucial to maintain an open and transparent dialogue regarding the distribution of funds and the justification for each project. This will help ensure that the stimulus bill serves the best interests of the American people, rather than becoming a vehicle for personal or political gain.

Stay tuned as more reports and analyses come out, focusing on the 'fat' in the bill and the potential consequences of the current spending patterns. Awareness and understanding are the keys to fostering a more equitable and effective system.

References

[1] The Complexity of the $5593 Page Bill