Protect Defense with Spending Limits

Baker Spring / March 04, 2010

Reps. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Mike Pence (R-ID), and John Campbell (R-CA) recently unveiled a proposal to impose a limit on federal spending of 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  This proposal serves as a necessary reminder that current federal spending is out of control and certain to grow further if nothing is done.

The sponsors of the amendment explain that the limit “would force Congress and the President to prioritize various spending needs and provide transparency to the difficult decisions and trade offs necessary to ensure that the federal government once again lives within its means.”

A limitation of 20 percent of GDP on total federal outlays can accommodate sufficient defense budgets.  Even following the 9/11 attacks, the total defense expenditures (which includes several accounts in addition to what goes to the Department of Defense), have exceeded 4 percent of GDP only since the surge in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense’s “Green Book.” (more…)