Staff Reports
U.S. CENTCOM revealed the first images of the pier being built near Gaza to help bring aid to the area. This floating JLOTS pier in the Mediterranean is a project started under President Joe Biden’s administration. While aid delivery is crucial, the cost of this pier has skyrocketed, reaching $320 million, more than double the original estimate. Conservative Senator Roger Wicker criticized this excessive spending, highlighting the risks it poses to American troops working on the project.
The construction progress of the pier can be seen from space, showing U.S. Navy vessels assisting near the Israel Defense Forces’ port. The Pentagon has deployed around 1,000 service members, mainly from the Army and Navy, for this mission. Despite the high cost and potential dangers, the pier is expected to handle up to 150 aid trucks daily once completed.
Pier-building begins
Construction of the floating JLOTS pier in the Mediterranean is underway.
The pier will support @USAID and humanitarian partners to receive and deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. @USTRANSCOM and @USEUCOM support the movement of… pic.twitter.com/tC9J12wz4Z
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 29, 2024
It is concerning to see taxpayer money being spent so excessively on a project that may not bring substantial benefits. Senator Wicker’s worries about the increasing costs and risks to our troops are valid. This pier could potentially become a target for groups like Hamas, as seen when it was hit by mortar fire in April. The safety of our military personnel should always be a top priority, and unnecessary expenditures like this raise red flags for conservative lawmakers and taxpayers.
As the construction continues, it is essential to monitor the situation closely and ensure that the funds allocated for this project are being used efficiently. While providing aid to regions in need is noble, it should not come at such a high cost, especially when it puts American lives at risk. Conservative voices calling for fiscal responsibility and prioritizing national security must be taken into account during the completion of this pier off the Gaza coast.
