Umm.. No, it's not some hypothetical "projected" budget. The GWB budget being compared is the one
the White House presented to the Congress and that the Congress is currently voting on. If you have some problem with the idea of budget projections, then you may feel free to substitute:
the amount which George W. Bush wants to spend in 2004.From the Office of Management and Budget:
The 2004 Budget was transmitted to Congress on February 3, 2003 and covers the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2003.
BTW, these figures do not include the prescription drug entitlement currently pending in conference committee - the same entitlement Bush demanded during his press conference yesterday that the Congress finalize and send for signature. The actual 2004 budget spending expansion will prove far higher...
Sorry, I hit post too fast.
Are you saying that the CATO chart compares the 3-yr % changes in discretionary spending (Reagan/Carter) vs. (Clinton/GWB) submitted budgets? Why on earth would they spend their time and money on that sort of hypothetical analysis.
While I agree with CATO that spending hasn't been cut the way it should under GWB, particularly in this term with recontrol of the senate, I say the chart is bogus and meaningless.