President Donald Trump’s proposed budget it out – and there’s plenty of red meat in there for conservatives.
As promised, there would be a $54 billion increase in military spending, offset by cuts in other government agencies. Below is a table of the proposed cuts (and increases):
So to summarize, there are massive increases in military spending, massive cuts in overseas spending, and a general decrease in discretionary spending. Entitlement spending (Social Security & Medicare) isn’t touched in this budget.
It should be noted that in its current state, the budget shifts government priorities, but doesn’t cut net spending. The projected deficit for next year was $487 billion before Trump’s proposed budget – and doesn’t change based on this budget. It would reduce the deficit however if it causes the economy to improve (as that means less people on welfare, more employed people contributing to a larger tax base, and rising wages contributing to more taxes paid).
Still, Trump’s budget at least contributes to programs that we need – and cuts the ones we don’t. And the military increase would be temporary, only until ISIS is defeated.
For this budget to get passed, Republicans in the House and Senate should demand revisions that address entitlement reform. Social Security and Medicare compromise the bulk of our government’s spending – which is practically an insurance company backed by an army. As National Review noted, Social Security, health-care entitlements, and interest on the national debt comprise 57 percent of current spending but will be responsible for 82 percent of all new spending over the next decade.
The budget is off to a good start. All we need to do is replace the scalpel we’ll be using to cut the budget with an axe. What cuts to the budget are the most important to you? Share your thoughts below!
