In 2024, the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 accounted for nearly $120 million in government funds despite its appropriations being authorized through 1998

Summary

Vivek Ramaswamy, recently appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has proposed defunding federal programs that lack current congressional authorization.

This could affect programs like veterans’ healthcare, NASA, and early education initiatives, which still receive funding despite expired authorizations.

Ramaswamy argues that cutting these programs could save billions, and he’s committed to targeting expenditures that “don’t advance the interests of American citizens.”

DOGE, co-led by Elon Musk, aims to curb government spending, with Musk estimating potential cuts of up to $2 trillion.

  • krashmo@lemmy.world
    0·
    5 hours ago

    I know what you mean but he does, quite literally, speak for us now. This is what we asked for.

    • Cris@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      5 hours ago

      I sure as fuck didn’t, I voted against every single fascist asshole on my balot. I’m just angry.

      • krashmo@lemmy.world
        0·
        4 hours ago

        So did I but unfortunately we lost. That’s democracy in action. The country we live in (the collective we) asked for this.

      • Kalkaline @leminal.space
        0·
        5 hours ago

        Thanks for voting. You’re justified in being angry. There’s a lot to be angry about. Right now we need to focus on blocking every action of this government. We need to shine a light on candidates doing the right thing and bring them up to positions of leadership.

          • MonkRome@lemmy.worldEnglish
            0·
            4 hours ago

            Pick an issue, or a few, you care about. Find the local or regional group that is already fighting for that issue. Join their newsletter. When they have events or meetings near you, go. Meet people and network. Someday you will find a way you can help in a way that fits your skill set, say yes.

            It really is that easy to get involved, and these organizations need volunteers way more than they need money. People make the world move forward, not money, not votes. I mean voting and giving helps too, but giving your time is often way more important with activism.

            • Cris@lemmy.worldEnglish
              0·
              4 hours ago

              This is an unusual question, but do you know any way I can get more involved if I’m not awake when people meet and organize?

              I have a severe circadian rhythm disorder and as a result am not awake during the day. All I’ve been able to come up with in terms of contributing is writing cards to potential voters (I got a couple in the mail when I updated my voter registration), and maybe calling potential voters on the other side of the country who are in a different timezone.

              I feel really powerless to contribute, but I don’t wanna sit back and do nothing, disability or not :( if you can’t think of anything, that’s okay, I will keep looking for way to be involved

              • MonkRome@lemmy.worldEnglish
                0·
                4 hours ago

                Voting is a small part of political change, it needs to be done but that’s not where the work is. Getting involved in your community and pushing for changes is far more productive, activism of all types.

                I would start by getting on mailing lists for things you care about and email for local city council meeting minutes. You might be surprised by some of the meeting times of local orgs. Some events are evening, but you can still learn about what is needed if you are staying engaged with local things. I can’t tell you what will work, but I reiterate I would start by getting on mailing lists for things you care about and take opportunities when they come.

                Edit: and don’t be so hard on yourself, you can only do what you can do. Take your wins when they come and focus on those.