Gridlock is good for spending restraint

by Ashley Muchow Mercatus Center Research Fellow, Matthew Mitchell, has charted the impact united U.S. governments have had on spending under political combinations dating back to 1953. Over the past two years, a united U.S. government has reached average annual spending levels beyond any that of any administration in the history of the United States. Since the Obama administration...

by Ashley Muchow

Mercatus Center Research Fellow, Matthew Mitchell, has charted the impact united U.S. governments have had on spending under political combinations dating back to 1953.

Over the past two years, a united U.S. government has reached average annual spending levels beyond any that of any administration in the history of the United States. Since the Obama administration was sworn into office, spending has reached all time records–$3.52 trillion in 2009 and $3.45 trillion in 2010.

$6.97 trillion in 2 years.

If trends survive, the recent shake up in Congress should see to it that 2011 and 2012 do not become more record-breaking years. But only time will tell.