Brian Riedl
Brian Riedl
budgets federal program threatens
More than anything else, this one program threatens the long-term federal budget.
bankrupt biggest care coming crisis danger economic entire federal health literally needs next problem system
The biggest economic danger of the next 50 years is the coming crisis in entitlement spending. The problem is the entire health care system is in crisis. The entire U.S. health care system needs to be overhauled. If not, it will literally bankrupt the federal government.
bleeds congress creates cultural culture effect federal government larger lobbyists means percent spending together true
Yes, it's true that earmarks are only 1 percent of all federal spending, but earmarks have a cultural effect on Congress that is much larger than their cost. It fuses Congress together with lobbyists and creates a culture of government spending as a means to re-election, which bleeds into other areas.
children costs means passed
What that means is those costs are being passed down to our children - with interest.
clearly dragging feet instead senate senators spending tax
The Senate is clearly dragging its feet on spending reform. Some senators have called for instead reversing the tax cuts.
consider deciding gets worthy
Earmarks could be worthy or not, but we still consider it corrupting because lawmakers are deciding who gets a grant.
balance debt dump history household increases laps largest next per percent reach tax within
dump the largest debt in world history into the laps of the next generation. Within a decade, tax increases would need to reach $7,000 per household (a 37 percent tax hike) just to balance the budget.
capital companies constantly finding good ideas investment investors looking profitable
There's so much investment capital out there for profitable new technologies. Investors are constantly looking for good ideas to invest in. If these ideas are as good as these companies say, they should have no problem, at minimum, finding a loan.
believe government orleans prioritize safety therefore top washington
Even small-government conservatives believe Washington should prioritize defense, safety and security, and therefore see rescuing New Orleans as a top government priority.
sacrifice
Sacrifice? ... At this time, there is none.
absolutely addicted baby boomers congress costs dealing director fiscal medicare outlook retire social spending top
Director Portman will be inheriting the most dire long-term fiscal outlook we've ever had. The first baby boomers retire in 18 months, and the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid costs are set to explode. On top of that, he'll be dealing with a Congress that's absolutely addicted to runaway spending and pork!
congress continues cutting resist
Congress continues to resist cutting even one program.
coming conclusion seeing spending
Most lawmakers are coming to the conclusion that the spending spree we're seeing right now is unsustainable.
cut nearly savings total
Nearly all of their savings comes from this cut to total discretionary spending. That does nothing for the real long-term problem.