Congress passed an annual defense authorization bill worth $738 billion on December 17. This particular bill is significant because it creates the new Space Force branch of the US Armed Services, as well as providing all federal workers 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Democrats had previously viewed Trump’s calls for a Space Force as something which would give them leverage in budget negotiations to advance their own agendas. Due to the victories gained for both parties by this bill, it passed the house with a bipartisan vote of 377-48. The only representatives who opposed it consist of one Democrat, six Republicans, and one independent. It should be noted that the creation of the Space Force simply reorganizes and consolidates existing divisions of the military that are already conducting operations relating to space. One final important provision of this bill is that it will also give military personnel a 3.1% raise, as well as extending full survivors benefits to all Gold Star families.
Congress passing this spending bill is an example of the legislative branch exercising one of its most important powers and responsibilities, appropriating money. This story also demonstrates why the Congress’ power of the purse is significant since even though the President commands the armed forces (power of the sword), the dramatic reorganization of the military in the form of creating a Space Force can still only be achieved by Congress funding it.
Question:
Congress passing this spending bill is an example of the legislative branch exercising one of its most important powers and responsibilities, appropriating money. This story also demonstrates why the Congress’ power of the purse is significant since even though the President commands the armed forces (power of the sword), the dramatic reorganization of the military in the form of creating a Space Force can still only be achieved by Congress funding it.
Question:
- While compromise promotes bipartisanism and reduces gridlock and polarization, allocating funds for what both parties want leads to increased deficit spending. Given this, do the benefits of compromising on this defense spending bill outweigh the potentially negative economic consequences of spending more and taxing less?
- Does the creation of a Space Force reflect America's overemphasis on defense spending, or does it demonstrate the ability for our government to adapt to changing times and technological advancement?
- Are news organization more inclined to publish stories discussing gridlock or bipartisan compromise ?
While bipartisan support does pass bills betterm, I do agree it results in an increase of spending. I believe that if there is going to be bipartisan suppoort for something, there should be a more careful review from the ways and means committee to analyze how much it's going to cost, or increase the deficit. While bipartisan support is important, I also believe that we should make cuts in spensing wherever we can, especially on defense. Therefore, even though this bill passed bipartisanly, I would be opposed to it on a matter of principle.
ReplyDeleteI believe the creation of the Space Force today might seem like an unnecessary use of money towards the military, but I hope in the future it is used to its best abilities. I strongly agree with the United States increasing money towards space research, but I would rather with an educational mindset instead of a destructive. Finally, I believe we do not know what the future of the Space Force is and it might surprise us in the future.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the creation of the space force overemphasizes the American value of defence spending. If our government truly wanted to expand their Space research, I believe funding a federal agency such as NASA would be a better way to approach the topic. Furthermore, I believe our government should cut back on their discrete spending and redirect these funds to social and economic issues that trouble our nation. I believe our government has the potential to adapt to these changing times but funds put into of defence would not be the most efficient method.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think that currently the creation of the space force overemphasizes defense spending. According to the post, it only "reorganizes and consolidates existing divisions of the military that are already conducting operations relating to space". However, America does have a history of spending a ton of money on defense, and I don't think space should currently be the frontier for defense spending. Space shouldn't be owned by any one nation, and the possibilities for scientific and technological discovery should come before militaristic spending. America should take a more reactionary approach to space militarization, meaning if other countries choose to militarize, we should as well, but not before they do.
ReplyDelete3. News outlets are more likely to publish news about policy gridlock because in many cases, the news is directed at a specific audience that is strongly partisan and unwilling to compromise. A story is much more likely to sell and receive high ratings if it tells consumers what they want to hear. In addition, even to consumers who are independent or have no strong feelings about either party, it is more entertaining and interesting to discuss a disagreement between parties rather than an agreement.
ReplyDelete