At this time, the U.S. finds itself divided once again over whether or not we should continue to help Ukraine with its war against Russia. President Biden recently sent a request to Congress for $106 billion in security funding, of which $61.4 billion is for Ukraine. In addition, The White House has warned Congress that they will run out of funding for weapons and other assistance by the end of the year. However, 45% of Americans say that the government is spending too much on Ukraine. Most of the opposition comes from registered Republicans. Republicans in the House of Representatives say they will support more aid for Ukraine, but only if it is tied to funding for border security, something that is a non-starter for Democrats. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky visited Washington to appeal to Republicans and Democrats as to why they should continue to support funding for Ukraine. He also met with President Biden at The White House, after Biden invited him to visit the U.S. in order to make its case. Zelensky was also scheduled recently to address the Senate virtually, but he canceled at the last minute. Still, the Senate met to debate the funding bill. At the meeting tensions were high as Democrats were frustrated at the fact that Republicans will only support funding to Ukraine if it tied to border security funding. And as expected, a Senate procedural vote on the Ukraine funding bill failed by a vote of 49-51.

I've always believed in the power of representation to break down misbeliefs. Unfortunately, Representative George Santos seems determined to do the opposite, becoming a source of concern for Latinx Americans, particularly those with Brazilian roots like myself. His actions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a distorted image of Brazil in the United States. In the midst of George Santos' political antics, I can't help but wonder if there's a Portuguese translation for what others might call 'political idiocy.'