Post by RS Davis on Feb 11, 2004 19:42:14 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Veronique de Rugy Wrote:[/glow]Thanks to continued spending growth, the Bush administration's newly released budget projections reveal an anticipated budget deficit of $521 billion for the current fiscal year, up $146 billion since FY2003. The administration is already tripping over itself to blame the deficit on the war and a slow economy. At the same time, it is bragging about how fiscally responsible it is. As proof, it will point to 60 proposed program cuts. But if history is our guide, this administration is talk and no action. From the No Child Left Behind education bill to the Medicare prescription drug bill, this administration has repeatedly abandoned its proclaimed conservative principles. In doing so, the White House has made it clear that reelection -- at any cost -- is the goal.
In his State of the Union speech, Bush said: "In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland, and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, and be wise with the people's money." He then touted new spending initiatives, such as doubled funding for abstinence programs and $300 million to help ex-inmates find work. The next day, at an Ohio town meeting, he promised $120 million for teacher training, $28 million for an advanced placement program, $250 million for job training, and increased funding for Pell grants.
Then, on Jan. 22, Bush applauded passage of the Omnibus spending bill, adding, "I will continue to work with Congress to focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending and be wise with the people's money." The omnibus was stuffed with 8,000 earmarked pork projects, twice the number the Democrats typically included when they held power. The omnibus was a prime opportunity for President Bush to use his veto pen. He didn't.
In his State of the Union speech, Bush said: "In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland, and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, and be wise with the people's money." He then touted new spending initiatives, such as doubled funding for abstinence programs and $300 million to help ex-inmates find work. The next day, at an Ohio town meeting, he promised $120 million for teacher training, $28 million for an advanced placement program, $250 million for job training, and increased funding for Pell grants.
Then, on Jan. 22, Bush applauded passage of the Omnibus spending bill, adding, "I will continue to work with Congress to focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending and be wise with the people's money." The omnibus was stuffed with 8,000 earmarked pork projects, twice the number the Democrats typically included when they held power. The omnibus was a prime opportunity for President Bush to use his veto pen. He didn't.
- Rick
