Grampy

Ok How does Washington justify an increase in spending of 2.6 % (2014 budget) and what happened to all the savings from reduced war efforts in Iraq & Afghanistan.
Spending

Federal outlays are expected to increase by 2.6 percent this year, to $3.5 trillion, or 20.5 percent of GDP—their average percentage over the past 40 years. CBO projects that under current law, outlays will grow faster than the economy during the next decade and will equal 22.4 percent of GDP in 2024. With no changes in the applicable laws, spending for Social Security, Medicare (including offsetting receipts), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and subsidies for health insurance purchased through exchanges will rise from 9.7 percent of GDP in 2014 to 11.7 percent in 2024, CBO estimates. Net interest payments by the federal government are also projected to grow rapidly, climbing from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2014 to 3.3 percent in 2024, mostly because of the return of interest rates to more typical levels. However, the rest of the government’s noninterest spending—for defense, benefit programs other than those mentioned above, and all other nondefense activities—is projected to drop from 9.4 percent of GDP this year to 7.3 percent in 2024 under current law.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Wh**ever happened to the "balanced budget act" of the Clinton era?

Winter Solstice Loc: Salt Lake City

I don't know how Clinton era equals a "balanced Budget". During his two terms the National Debt increased $1.0tirllion in his first tern and $0.4trillion in his second term. I agree these numbers are small but the Government still had to borrow (increase the National Debt) during both of Clinton's terms.

Unclet Loc: Amarillo, Tx

Just words from the Gov't to placate the masses; no substance to any of it.

Winter Solstice Loc: Salt Lake City

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

The point is, they sold a balanced budget act to us, and then promptly ignored it. Relying on those knuckleheads to act responsibly is never going to happen. They said they would only pass bills that were paid for and immediately pretended they never said any such thing. They honestly think we're stupid.

Grampy

You're right - they can get away with it because most people are not paying attention ...... McConnell will pay a price in va the Democrat is in the lead and conservatives are tired of his leadership unfortunately this is a high price to pay to have republicans realize they should respect their conservative supporters

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

It would be surprising to find a politician respecting anyone who was not rich and/or powerful.

Winter Solstice Loc: Salt Lake City

Remember, We the People selected these people to act according to our preferences. We sent them to Washington. If they don't perform as expected "We the People" need to select a different person to represent us. When we don't do that, it is all our fault.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Yep.