PODCAST:The Daily
TITLE:The Shadowy Story of Oppenheimer and Congress
DATE:2024-01-23 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
The episode from "The Daily," hosted by Sabrina Tevernese, delves into the intriguing story of how Congress secretly funded the atomic bomb, inspired by the blockbuster movie "Oppenheimer." Katie Edmondson, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times, embarked on an investigative journey after watching "Oppenheimer," leading her to uncover the covert dealings of Congress in the 1940s. This episode, aired on January 23rd, reveals the hidden story behind the funding of one of the most significant scientific advancements of the 20th century.
Katie Edmondson, normally covering Congress for The Times, was intrigued by the film "Oppenheimer," particularly how Congress funded the atomic bomb's development. This curiosity turned into an extensive research project, where she explored various archives and libraries, including the Library of Congress, to uncover the truth. Her investigation led her to discover that in 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his administration had been secretly diverting funds from other items to finance the Manhattan Project.
The urgency to fund the project escalated when the fear arose that Nazi Germany might develop an atomic bomb first. It became imperative to ask Congress for a significant infusion of cash without disclosing the project's true nature. Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and other officials informed a select group of lawmakers about the bomb's development, emphasizing the need for secrecy and substantial funding. They succeeded in convincing these lawmakers to secretly allocate $800 million (equivalent to about $13 billion today) for the bomb's development.
The method of concealment was simple yet effective. The funds were hidden under an innocuous line item labeled "expediting production" in the military spending bill, described vaguely as speeding munitions to troops in Europe. This tactic was so subtle that it did not attract attention or raise suspicions. However, there were close calls, including an incident where Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn intervened to prevent a leak to the press, appealing to a reporter's sense of patriotism to keep the secret.
Reflecting on her findings, Edmondson notes the distinct difference between the political environment of the 1940s and today. The unity and sense of patriotism during World War II made it possible to conceal such a significant project, which might be more challenging in the current political climate. Despite the dense and complex nature of modern spending bills, Edmondson believes that a few lawmakers could still potentially hide a major program if they were determined to do so.
This episode of "The Daily" not only sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of American history but also underscores the complexity and potential opacity of congressional proceedings, particularly in times of national crisis. The story of how Congress secretly funded the atomic bomb reveals the intricate interplay of politics, science, and morality that shaped a pivotal moment in world history.
