The Onion Has a Blistering Take on Congress' Idea of a Social Safety Net

The latest foray by The Onion into the world of planning satirizes the American tendency to prioritize highway spending over housing and the homeless.

1 minute read

July 17, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Freeway Underpass Encampment

Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock

The Onion's satire takes aim at a painful subject that's all-too real for millions of Americans struggling to pay rent and facing the prospect of eviction during a public health crisis, as Congress seems mostly content with inaction and the status quo. 

In an effort to help ease the economic burden of the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed a new bill Wednesday that approved $3 trillion in funding for a 35-mile overpass capable of housing millions of recently evicted U.S. citizens.

In the United States, the status quo is cars, clearly. So, really, the joke here isn't about what Congress might do or do notsomething like Nero fiddling seems most apt most days. This joke satire depends on what Congress has already done—and what we as Americans and planners have already done. This is gallows humor in its purest form and at its largest scale.


Thursday, July 16, 2020 in The Onion

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog