Why does the GOP aid package include millions for fighter jets?

[Galraedia]

It was late yesterday when Republican leaders finally unveiled the economic aid package, the contents of which are still being carefully reviewed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), for example, seemed to have no idea that his party's proposal included money for a new FBI headquarters -- as part of an apparently corrupt scheme to help one of Donald Trump's businesses.

But that's hardly the only controversial element of the GOP plan. Roll Call reported overnight:

Senate Republicans have laced their roughly $1 trillion coronavirus relief package with at least $7 billion for weapons, most of which are built by leading contractors that contribute heavily to congressional campaigns. The draft appropriations portion, made public Monday evening, includes money for fighter jets, helicopters, radars, ships and armored vehicles that the measure’s authors have deemed “emergency” spending that is not capped by the budget control law.

Remember, the ostensible point of the aid package is to bolster U.S. efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and relieve the economic burdens felt by Americans during the recession.

It's also, evidently, an opportunity for Senate Republicans to try to direct billions of dollars to defense contractors.

Among the many provisions along these lines in the GOP bill is $686 million for Lockheed Martin's F-35A Air Force fighter jets -- which Donald Trump genuinely seems to believe are literally invisible.

Read more: https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/why-does-gop-aid-package-include-millions-fighter-jets-n1235099?

[spanone]

1. pay for play.

[leftieNanner]

2. Would make a lot more sense to put that money into the USPS

There is a correlation between the mail and the virus - it's called the November election.

But those jets cost about as much and they won't endanger those close races in swing states.

[JDC]

3. Pork

[Chemisse]

4. Trump raided defense funds for his "wall" and they are trying to get the money back. n/t

[Yavin4]

5. We are going after that virus with our fighter jets!

YeeeeeHaaaawww!!! 'Murika!!!!

[pfitz59]

6. Because we're AT WAR with COVID

duh

[crickets]

7. Because jets are more important than the 'little people.' nt