Why do we continue with foreign aid?

I read and basically agree with Lee Hamilton’s column regarding the congressional budget. However, I did find it interesting that he talks about increasing taxes and cuts in spending for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and dozens of other things that would be painful for the American public.

At the same time he never mentions cutting the salaries or pensions of senators and congressmen. Nor does he mention eliminating or severely reducing foreign aid spending. Under President Obama’s proposed 2014 budget, foreign aid spending is $56 billion. This is a very large sum of money that could be used to help fund domestic programs for our citizens.

It seems like Mr. Hamilton is much more focused on doing things that will harm U.S. citizens but does not mind giving money to foreign countries, many of whom are our sworn enemies. Why is this facet of our federal budget never addressed as a possible cost-cutting item by our government representatives, including our president? Why is it never even mentioned in our national and local media?

John Noll

Naperville