Last Friday, the House voted to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood. And they also voted to keep giving money to race cars.
I kid you not.
The defunding of Planned Parenthood was framed as a necessary spending cut. And that very may well be the intention. Planned Parenthood centers around the country received about $360 million last year. That’s $360 million for things like cancer and HIV screenings, birth control, and sex education (Planned Parenthood doesn’t support its abortion services with federal funding). Either way, it would be about $360 million saved.
But then the House did this … on the same day:
The House has voted to let the Pentagon continue using taxpayer dollars to sponsor NASCAR race teams.
By a 281-148 vote, lawmakers rejected an effort by Minnesota Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum that would have ended the practice. McCollum aides said the Army is spending $7 million on a sponsorship this year, and the Air Force and National Guard are spending additional money.
McCollum said the military spends the funds to place decals on race cars and for a few driver appearances. The armed forces hope the sponsorships will help them attract recruits.
Car racing first. Women second. Adjust your priorities accordingly.
—Photo via Wikimedia Commons