Republicans Become the Party of Big Government
Chris Edwards and Tad DeHaven
February 2, 2004
Even before the release of the new federal budget, President Bushs budget chief Josh Bolten has begun the damage control. On one flank, the president is trying to ward off the increasing despair in his conservative base caused by his huge spending increases and big deficits. On another flank, the mainstream media are beginning to run front-page stories on the administrations fiscal irresponsibility.
The administrations other argument is that spending has been driven by defense and national security needs. That was also a good excuse for awhile, but the administration should have been working on reform ideas to cut domestic spending to offset defense increases. Defense is certainly a high-priority spending area, but the administration has not identified low-priority spending areas that could be cut. Indeed, Bush has signed every spending bill that crossed his desk while his veto pen has collected dust.
Republicans Become the Party of Big Government | Chris Edwards, Tad DeHaven | Cato Institute
Chris Edwards and Tad DeHaven
February 2, 2004
Even before the release of the new federal budget, President Bushs budget chief Josh Bolten has begun the damage control. On one flank, the president is trying to ward off the increasing despair in his conservative base caused by his huge spending increases and big deficits. On another flank, the mainstream media are beginning to run front-page stories on the administrations fiscal irresponsibility.
The administrations other argument is that spending has been driven by defense and national security needs. That was also a good excuse for awhile, but the administration should have been working on reform ideas to cut domestic spending to offset defense increases. Defense is certainly a high-priority spending area, but the administration has not identified low-priority spending areas that could be cut. Indeed, Bush has signed every spending bill that crossed his desk while his veto pen has collected dust.
Republicans Become the Party of Big Government | Chris Edwards, Tad DeHaven | Cato Institute