13, 2013 Email Print inShare BUDGET DEAL | CONGRESS | MILITARY SPENDING Remember

ReutersEDITION:U.louis vuitton usa ReutersEDITION:U.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton usa]louis vuitton usa[/url]S.S. SIGN INREGISTER HOME BUSINESS MARKETS WORLD POLITICS TECH OPINION BREAKINGVIEWS MONEY LIFE PICTURES VIDEO » Analysis & Opinion Home Opinion Reihan Salam Follow Reihan Salam The budget deal’s central achievement: protecting America’s military strength By Reihan Salam DECEMBER 13, 2013 Email Print inShare BUDGET DEAL | CONGRESS | MILITARY SPENDING Remember 1986? Ronald Reagan was in the White House, Dionne Warwick was topping the charts, and movie audiences swooned as Tom Cruise romanced Kelly McGillis in Top Gun. SIGN INREGISTER HOME BUSINESS MARKETS WORLD POLITICS TECH OPINION BREAKINGVIEWS MONEY LIFE PICTURES VIDEO » Analysis & Opinion Home Opinion Reihan Salam Follow Reihan Salam The budget deal’s central achievement: protecting America’s military strength By Reihan Salam DECEMBER 13, 2013 Email Print inShare BUDGET DEAL | CONGRESS | MILITARY SPENDING Remember 1986? Ronald Reagan was in the White House, Dionne Warwick was topping the charts, and movie audiences swooned as Tom Cruise romanced Kelly McGillis in Top Gun. Children born in 1986 are now adults having children of their own. Children born in 1986 are now adults having children of their own. So it is sobering to realize that 1986 was also the last year in which a divided Congress — a Democratic House and a Republican Senate, to be precise — was able to reach a budget agreement.louis vuitton usa So it is sobering to realize that 1986 was also the last year in which a divided Congress — a Democratic House and a Republican Senate, to be precise — was able to reach a budget agreement. To the surprise of many, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, a leading light among conservative Republicans, and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray, a savvy Democrat with a populist streak, reached a modest budget deal at the start of this week that eased the rigid caps on discretionary spending imposed by sequestration in the short term, in exchange for more mandatory spending restraint over the long term. To the surprise of many, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, a leading light among conservative Republicans, and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray, a savvy Democrat with a populist streak, reached a modest budget deal at the start of this week that eased the rigid caps on discretionary spending imposed by sequestration in the short term, in exchange for more mandatory spending restraint over the long term. Almost immediately, influential conservative lawmakers, like Florida Sen. Almost immediately, influential conservative lawmakers, like Florida Sen.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton tote]louis vuitton tote[/url] Marco Rubio and Oklahoma Sen. Marco Rubio and Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, declared their opposition to the deal, as did influential conservative groups like Heritage Action, FreedomWorks, and the Club for Growth.louis vuitton usa Tom Coburn, declared their opposition to the deal, as did influential conservative groups like Heritage Action, FreedomWorks, and the Club for Growth. For a brief moment, it looked as though the GOP’s right flank would choose another government shutdown over what many saw as a half-hearted compromise. For a brief moment, it looked as though the GOP’s right flank would choose another government shutdown over what many saw as a half-hearted compromise. But instead the House passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a margin of 332-94, with 62 Republicans voting “no. But instead the House passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a margin of 332-94, with 62 Republicans voting “no.” Assuming the Senate also passes the deal, the country will be spared a government shutdown until at least the fall of 2015.” Assuming the Senate also passes the deal, the country will be spared a government shutdown until at least the fall of 2015. To many rank-and-file Republican members, and in particular to those representing vulnerable House seats, this must come as a relief.louis vuitton outlet online To many rank-and-file Republican members, and in particular to those representing vulnerable House seats, this must come as a relief.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton tote]louis vuitton tote[/url] In recent weeks, President Obama’s approval ratings have sharply declined. In recent weeks, President Obama’s approval ratings have sharply declined. A recent Quinnipiac survey finds that only 38 percent of voters approve of the president. A recent Quinnipiac survey finds that only 38 percent of voters approve of the president. Moreover, they prefer Republican over Democratic House candidates by 41 percent to 38 percent, a marked improvement for the GOP. Moreover, they prefer Republican over Democratic House candidates by 41 percent to 38 percent, a marked improvement for the GOP. It seems that while the government shutdown damaged Republicans, a steady drumbeat of negative news coverage surrounding Obamacare implementation has given the GOP breathing room.louis vuitton outlet online It seems that while the government shutdown damaged Republicans, a steady drumbeat of negative news coverage surrounding Obamacare implementation has given the GOP breathing room. Another government shutdown could reverse these gains and give the president and his allies the upper hand. Another government shutdown could reverse these gains and give the president and his allies the upper hand. Yet what is good for Republicans from vulnerable districts isn’t necessarily what is best for Republicans from safe seats, where the chief political threat is from conservative primary challengers. Yet what is good for Republicans from vulnerable districts isn’t necessarily what is best for Republicans from safe seats, where the chief political threat is from conservative primary challengers.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton outlet online]louis vuitton outlet online[/url] These were the members who pressed for confrontation with the White House during the last shutdown fight, and it is these members, by and large, who voted against the latest deal. These were the members who pressed for confrontation with the White House during the last shutdown fight, and it is these members, by and large, who voted against the latest deal. It just so happens that fewer of their Republican comrades in the House are willing to indulge them this time around.louis vuitton outlet online It just so happens that fewer of their Republican comrades in the House are willing to indulge them this time around. And John Boehner, the beleaguered Speaker of the House, voiced his frustration in a brief statement in which he accused the conservative groups that opposed the deal of “misleading their followers,” and of having “lost all credibility. And John Boehner, the beleaguered Speaker of the House, voiced his frustration in a brief statement in which he accused the conservative groups that opposed the deal of “misleading their followers,” and of having “lost all credibility.” Suffice it to say, Boehner hasn’t made many friends on the right with these remarks, but one wonders if they were calculated to buck up members of his caucus who resent having been dragged into the shutdown a few short months ago.” Suffice it to say, Boehner hasn’t made many friends on the right with these remarks, but one wonders if they were calculated to buck up members of his caucus who resent having been dragged into the shutdown a few short months ago. The battle now shifts to the Senate, where a strikingly large number of Republican senators are balking on the budget deal, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who faces a primary challenge in 2014 that has focused his attention. The battle now shifts to the Senate, where a strikingly large number of Republican senators are balking on the budget deal, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who faces a primary challenge in 2014 that has focused his attention. Some of the Republicans who oppose the deal are party stalwarts whom you’d normally expect to stand with Ryan and Boehner, like Arizona Sen.louis vuitton neverfull gm Some of the Republicans who oppose the deal are party stalwarts whom you’d normally expect to stand with Ryan and Boehner, like Arizona Sen.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton tote]louis vuitton tote[/url] John McCain and South Carolina Sen. John McCain and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, but who object to pension cuts aimed at non-elderly military retirees. Lindsey Graham, but who object to pension cuts aimed at non-elderly military retirees. Senate critics of the deal intend to filibuster it, and since the filibuster has only been ended for judicial nominations, supporters of the deal will have to rally 60 votes to even get a chance to vote on it. Senate critics of the deal intend to filibuster it, and since the filibuster has only been ended for judicial nominations, supporters of the deal will have to rally 60 votes to even get a chance to vote on it. Sen.louis vuitton usa Sen. Rand Paul, McConnell’s fellow Kentucky Republican, has been particularly harsh in condemning the deal. Rand Paul, McConnell’s fellow Kentucky Republican, has been particularly harsh in condemning the deal. In a new Breitbart. In a new Breitbart.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton neverfull gm]louis vuitton neverfull gm[/url]com column, Paul characterizes the deal as a “surrender” and he insists no one interested in responsible governance could support it, a clever rhetorical nod in the direction of those who criticize the Tea Party faithful for their recklessness.com column, Paul characterizes the deal as a “surrender” and he insists no one interested in responsible governance could support it, a clever rhetorical nod in the direction of those who criticize the Tea Party faithful for their recklessness. Paul, like Rubio and Texas Sen.louis vuitton neverfull gm Paul, like Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, seems to see the budget deal as an opportunity to put down a marker for intra-party fights to come. Ted Cruz, seems to see the budget deal as an opportunity to put down a marker for intra-party fights to come. The fact that the deal still has a decent shot at passing lowers the stakes for opponents, who can take credit for opposing it while not bearing the consequences of its failure. The fact that the deal still has a decent shot at passing lowers the stakes for opponents, who can take credit for opposing it while not bearing the consequences of its failure. And if the deal really does fail, all eyes will be on the Republicans who oppose it, who will presumably benefit from the polarization and the campaign contributions that will follow. And if the deal really does fail, all eyes will be on the Republicans who oppose it, who will presumably benefit from the polarization and the campaign contributions that will follow. In other words, opposing the deal is a win-win for Republican senators looking to protect their right flanks and to raise their profile.louis vuitton neverfull gm In other words, opposing the deal is a win-win for Republican senators looking to protect their right flanks and to raise their profile.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton usa]louis vuitton usa[/url] What has been lost in this gamesmanship is what I take to be the central achievement of the budget deal, which is that it will shield the U. What has been lost in this gamesmanship is what I take to be the central achievement of the budget deal, which is that it will shield the U.S.S. military from deep cuts to investments in future war-fighting capabilities. military from deep cuts to investments in future war-fighting capabilities. The chief political case against the defense sequester rests on its economic impact.louis vuitton neverfull gm The chief political case against the defense sequester rests on its economic impact. The Bipartisan Policy Center, working with Macroeconomic Advisors, LLC, found that the defense sequester would lead to the loss of 640,000 jobs. The Bipartisan Policy Center, working with Macroeconomic Advisors, LLC, found that the defense sequester would lead to the loss of 640,000 jobs. But if the defense sequester really did reduce wasteful spending, the job losses would be outweighed by broader gains as capital was reallocated across the economy. But if the defense sequester really did reduce wasteful spending, the job losses would be outweighed by broader gains as capital was reallocated across the economy.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton usa]louis vuitton usa[/url] The real problem with the defense sequester is that as much as Republicans dislike Democrats and vice versa, the much larger threat facing the U. The real problem with the defense sequester is that as much as Republicans dislike Democrats and vice versa, the much larger threat facing the U.S.louis vuitton neverfull gmS. is that China, and to a lesser extent other rising regional powers, are rapidly developing precision-guided munitions and other technologies that can degrade our ability to access the western Pacific and the Gulf, regions that are central to our economic well-being and to our security interests. is that China, and to a lesser extent other rising regional powers, are rapidly developing precision-guided munitions and other technologies that can degrade our ability to access the western Pacific and the Gulf, regions that are central to our economic well-being and to our security interests. The spending the defense sequester targets is not fat, like rapidly-rising personnel costs, but rather muscle, which is to say investments in technologies that can counter China’s ability to target our aircraft carriers and our defense installations in East Asia. The spending the defense sequester targets is not fat, like rapidly-rising personnel costs, but rather muscle, which is to say investments in technologies that can counter China’s ability to target our aircraft carriers and our defense installations in East Asia. It is not at all surprising that Paul, who like his father Ron Paul embraces the idea that the United States should engage in strategic retreat, has no qualms about defense cuts. It is not at all surprising that Paul, who like his father Ron Paul embraces the idea that the United States should engage in strategic retreat, has no qualms about defense cuts. What is surprising is that Republicans who recognize the importance of America’s global leadership role, like McCain, Graham, and Rubio, among others, seem so indifferent to how their actions could erode our military strength.louis vuitton usa What is surprising is that Republicans who recognize the importance of America’s global leadership role, like McCain, Graham, and Rubio, among others, seem so indifferent to how their actions could erode our military strength.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton neverfull gm]louis vuitton neverfull gm[/url] PHOTO: The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. PHOTO: The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain sails in formation during exercise Foal Eagle 2013 in waters west of the Korean peninsula in this March 21, 2013 handout photo courtesy of the U. McCain sails in formation during exercise Foal Eagle 2013 in waters west of the Korean peninsula in this March 21, 2013 handout photo courtesy of the U.S.S. Navy.louis vuitton tote Navy. REUTERS/U. REUTERS/U.S.S.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton outlet online]louis vuitton outlet online[/url] Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Declan Barnes/Handout « PREVIOUS POST More From Reuters Don’t ignore America’s youth unemployment crisis Is there a way around the sale of ‘blood gold’? U. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Declan Barnes/Handout « PREVIOUS POST More From Reuters Don’t ignore America’s youth unemployment crisis Is there a way around the sale of ‘blood gold’? U.S.louis vuitton usaS. sanctions move angers Iran, Russia sees threat to nuclear deal Why Washington’s growing irrelevance is good for the country White House says no plans to split NSA, Cyber Command From Around the Web 10 Insanely Overpaid Public Employees (The Fiscal Times) Meet One Of The Hottest Gadgets Of 2013 (Laptop Magazine) Prediction: “The end of the smartphone – it’s obsolete!” (EDF Pulse) Why can’t you bring made in America to Asia? (Singapore Sessions) California\'s Sales and Use Tax Exemption (Moss Adams) [?] COMMENTS 3 COMMENTS SO FAR | RSS COMMENTS RSS DEC 14, 2013 4:01 AM UTC So…It’s like a reality TV show? Who’s going to get voted out this week? What will the new alliances be next week? How the Heck do we expect other countries to respect us and follow our example? Posted by tmc | Report as abusive DEC 15, 2013 3:59 AM UTC From outside USA looks like just yet another empire which is eaten from inside by military spendings and domestic policy neglect. sanctions move angers Iran, Russia sees threat to nuclear deal Why Washington’s growing irrelevance is good for the country White House says no plans to split NSA, Cyber Command From Around the Web 10 Insanely Overpaid Public Employees (The Fiscal Times) Meet One Of The Hottest Gadgets Of 2013 (Laptop Magazine) Prediction: “The end of the smartphone – it’s obsolete!” (EDF Pulse) Why can’t you bring made in America to Asia? (Singapore Sessions) California\'s Sales and Use Tax Exemption (Moss Adams) [?] COMMENTS 3 COMMENTS SO FAR | RSS COMMENTS RSS DEC 14, 2013 4:01 AM UTC So…It’s like a reality TV show? Who’s going to get voted out this week? What will the new alliances be next week? How the Heck do we expect other countries to respect us and follow our example? Posted by tmc | Report as abusive DEC 15, 2013 3:59 AM UTC From outside USA looks like just yet another empire which is eaten from inside by military spendings and domestic policy neglect. That US military spendings are more than those of three next countries combined and USA fights at least two regional ‘colonial’ wars (though to lesser degree than few years ago) also adds to that feeling. That US military spendings are more than those of three next countries combined and USA fights at least two regional ‘colonial’ wars (though to lesser degree than few years ago) also adds to that feeling. Posted by chyron | Report as abusive DEC 16, 2013 12:28 PM UTC No matter that people are hungry, have no jobs, need medical care (especially our vets), our infrastructure is crumbling, education is lagging – the top priority is the ability to make war! Who profits? The Pentagon and the MIC. Posted by chyron | Report as abusive DEC 16, 2013 12:28 PM UTC No matter that people are hungry, have no jobs, need medical care (especially our vets), our infrastructure is crumbling, education is lagging – the top priority is the ability to make war! Who profits? The Pentagon and the MIC. Posted by AZreb | Report as abusive POST YOUR COMMENT Submit Comment We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data.louis vuitton neverfull gm Posted by AZreb | Report as abusive POST YOUR COMMENT Submit Comment We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton outlet online]louis vuitton outlet online[/url] If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.louis vuitton totereuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/ Reihan Salam is a Reuters columnist, a fellow at the R Street Institute, and a contributing editor at National Review.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/ Reihan Salam is a Reuters columnist, a fellow at the R Street Institute, and a contributing editor at National Review. He is co-author with Ross Douthat of the 2008 book \"Grand New Party. 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