Excellent link. Shows total discretionary funding in 2008 was $940.9 billion. But when emergency funds are added, the number is almost $1.2 trillion. As shown in post #82.
Keep in mind, that this conversation is predicated on your anti-constitutional notion that President controls spending.
You imagined I held that notion just as you imagined you had real numbers.
I have demonstrated that President Bush has exerted numerous fiscally conservative constraints on higher spending.
I don't care who you are, that's funny right there!
You say its not enough.
I think that's self evident.
I could be wrong but fortunately, your brilliant hypothesis will be tested starting Janaury 20.
Your bad math will still be wrong on January 20th.
We will discover how Bush really increased spending dramatically and Democrats reduce spending.
The Democrats will be worse, that doesn't make Bush a budget cutter.
It does make Bush a budget cutter because Congress determines spending.
The President cannot control or reduce spending.
The President can propose and argue. In so doing, he can limit the Constitutionally assigned power of the Congress.
Spending was increasing at a much higher rate when Bush came into office. It is increasing at a much lower rate as he leaves office. That is fiscal conservatism. You cannot change that.