What makes for valid spending of Government funds?

What makes for valid spending of Government funds?

Why is it ok to say that government funds can go to religious organizations? Should it? Maybe it's not ok?

Why is it ok to say that government funds can go to scientific research? Should it? Maybe it's not ok?

Why is it ok to say that government funds can go to foreign countries, as humanitarian aid? Should it? Maybe it's not ok?

What permits spending of government funds? Where do you draw the lines?

These are really, _REALLY_ tough questions. Probably the hardest ones to answer. Probably the rarest ones to ask. When did you last ask this yourself?

We the people of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America.

That's the bottom line. That's the statement of intent and purpose for the federal government. Authority to spend, by congress, is detailed in article one, but must fit the purposes specified in the preamble.

ALL government spending needs to be looked at through that filter.
1. Does it fit the intent and purpose of the preamble, and
2. Does it fit the "powers of congress" list and the "necessary and proper" clause?

Does defense spending fit? Yes.
Does offensive spending fit?

Does social security fit? Yes.

Does spending on social programs, charitable organizations, etc, fit? Yes.
Does favoring some programs and organizations over others? Probably.
Using a religious litmus test to determine which ones?

Does aid to foreign countries? Maybe -- does it aid domestic tranquility and general defense to improve other countries to the point that they don't want to cause us harm?

There's a LOT of wiggle room. There's a lot of grey areas to let the federal government spend.

But it's not a blank check authorization. There are things that are not valid spending.