by John Samples and Chris Edwards

Cato Institute

03/22/05

As the 109th Congress settles into its normal rhythms, Republican leaders face crucial decisions on the policy direction of their party. After 10 years in power, the exact things that Republicans said were wrong with prior Congresses have become worse under their control. The GOP is responsible for record high deficits and their policies have intruded even more into state, local, and private activities. Now many Republicans are saying that even the limited spending restraints in the new Bush budget are dead on arrival. The reformist spirit of 1994 has been lost on many careerist GOP politicians who have burrowed into the Washington power structure and now resist change. The GOP's Contract with America promised the 'end of government that is too big, too intrusive, and too easy with the public's money.' But such sentiments sound quaint after the 31 percent increase in federal spending during the past four years...

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=3714


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp