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Controlling Federal Expenditures

1 min readBy: TF Staff

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Project Note No. 51

Executive Summary For many years great concern has been expressed about the rapid rise in Federal expenditures, which have tripled since the Post-World War II low in 1948. This concern assumes special significance because of the focal implications of the proposed taxA tax is a mandatory payment or charge collected by local, state, and national governments from individuals or businesses to cover the costs of general government services, goods, and activities. reduction, when coupled with a level of Federal budget spending approaching $100 billion.

Those concerned with the problem have suggested that faulty procedures for determining spending levels both in Congress and in the executive branch have been a contributing factor. As a result of these defects, it has ban charged, effective control over spending has been last.

This study examines the methods employed by the executive and legislative branches in making the basic decisions which govern the amount of Federal spending. Principal problems are described. Then follows a review of proposals for improving procedures, major emphasis being placed on those of the Congress.

Robert W. Schleck, senior researcher, was primarily responsible for the research and preparation of this study.

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