Brian Riedl
Brian Riedl
budget control credible fabulous job leading mike proposal realistic republican specific spending study talking virtually
Mike Pence has done a fabulous job leading the Republican Study Committee. They have put out a realistic and credible and specific budget proposal to get spending under control when virtually no one else is talking about it.
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.
coming conclusion seeing spending
Most lawmakers are coming to the conclusion that the spending spree we're seeing right now is unsustainable.
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.
area classify count generally gray list obviously oppose setting similar specific spending though
I generally would still not count that as an earmark, even though it has a similar effect, because it is such a gray area of how specific is too specific when setting eligibility criteria. I obviously oppose those provisions, but I would not classify them the same as spending earmarks that actually list the name.
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!
current decisions difficult increases points political spending tax trend
The current trend points to tax increases in the long run. The political will to make the difficult decisions on spending is lacking.
special treatment
Why do they need special treatment to get a grant?
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.
children costs means passed
What that means is those costs are being passed down to our children - with interest.
candidates difficult political shortage
There is no shortage of candidates for elimination. There is only the shortage of political will to make the difficult decisions.
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.
highway montana
Montana is getting more highway pork, but so is every other state.
budgets federal program threatens
More than anything else, this one program threatens the long-term federal budget.