As a percentage of the total budget, Clinton's cuts in defense were extreme and took years to build back up.
Outlays for defense dropped with Clinton even in terms of current dollars. Let's face it; the Dems gutted defense and it took years to repair the damage.
Bush-bashers never mention that rebuilding defense was the biggest cause of increases in post 9/11 federal spending.
The Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 1995 (after Clinton's 2nd year of an 8 year term). Since the budget is controlled by the House, shouldn't the House Republicans be responsible for the reduction in military spending?
They seem more that willing to take credit for the reduction in the budget deficit that occurred at the same time.