Reagan and cutting the federal budget : how consistent was the pursuit?

President Reagan assumed office advocating an economic program based on tax and spending reductions. Achievement of these objectives, Reagan argued, would improve the American economy and result in balanced federal budgets. This thesis examines Reagan\u27s commitment to the spending restraint element of his program. I will analyze all of Reagan\u27s budgets and State of the Union addresses to determine how consistently he sought reductions in federal spending. Though Reagan\u27s commitment to budget reduction was evident, his selection of means to achieve the cuts was inconsistent. His proposed budget cuts varied in intensity, and Reagan failed to propose consistent reductions in many of his targeted budget functions. Reagan\u27s State of the Union messages varied from proposing substantial reductions to championing procedural devices to reduce the deficit. This thesis therefore argues that Reagan did not consistently seek the goal of reducing the federal government\u27s expenditures