It's finally happened. Republican proposed defense spending
is below both Clinton's and the Congressional Democrats.
Put that together with the last eight years of military
activities and the Dems are now the party of a strong
defense (sic), while the GOP edges back to it's pre-1940's
alignment. To some extent, the outyear numbers are more
a matter of political posturing, but postures can have
their own significance.
[Nathan Newman, call your office.]
As I've said in the past, all the proposals are below
the schedule of spending that would maintain its constant
dollar value ("current services").
The totals are below, and the annual numbers are attached
in a lotus spreadsheet, for those with a taste for such things.
mbs
P.S. Check out McNeil-Lehrer tonite. You might see something
out of the ordinary.
Defense Spending Proposals (Outlays)
Billions, current dollars
Fiscal Years 00-04 00-09
Current Services (OMB, 8/99) 1,542 3,310
Clinton Proposal (8/99) 1,477 3,268
GOP Budget Resolution (4/99) 1,471 3,052
Congressional Democrats (4/99) 1,469 3,110
defense.wk1
