The Republican budget alternative
The reviews for the GOP's answer to President Obama's spending plan
"If you're having a bad day, I highly encourage you to spend some quality time with the Republican budget proposal," said Ezra Klein in The American Prospect. It reads like a satire in The Onion. You see, a budget tells you how much the government plans to bring in through taxes, and how much all the spending will total. The GOP "budget" does neither.
Yes, the proposal was short on details on the bottom line, said David Freddoso in National Review, but the Republicans have spelled out ways to reduce President Obama's massive deficits. "End a litany of controversial programs of doubtful value to the public," and don't assume additional spending for bailouts—at least that would be an improvement over what the Democrats have to offer.
Even a summary of the GOP alternative helps shoot down "the Democrats' spin that Republicans have 'no ideas,'" said Jennifer Rubin in Pajamas Media. The Republicans would rein in spending, lower taxes, and provide universal access to health care not through massive new unfunded liabilities, but through "common sense reforms." This marks a direct attack on Obama's budget and an attempt to re-establish the Republicans as the party of "fiscal sobriety."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Granted, said Steve Benen in The Washington Monthly, "House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) sounded like he had something real to offer." But the numbers Boehner promised weren't there, and the only big idea in evidence was a huge tax cut for the wealthy. "If Republicans aren't going to take their own ideas seriously, why should anyone else?"
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
US overdose deaths plunged 27% last year
speed read Drug overdose still 'remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44,' said the CDC
-
'Despite all past efforts, system failures occur'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Gabbard fires intelligence chiefs after Venezuela report
speed read Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has fired the top two officials leading the National Intelligence Council
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy