[bolobaby]

If you take major expenditures off budget and call it “discretionary spending” that doesn’t mean you are running a budget surplus. It just means you are fudging the numbers.

FACT: There has never been a year in recent history where our debt DID NOT increase. So that budget surplus marlarky is just smoke and mirrors. If you are increasing your debt, THERE IS NO SURPLUS.

[avacado]

"If you take major expenditures off budget and call it “discretionary spending” that doesn’t mean you are running a budget surplus. It just means you are fudging the numbers."

The monthly and yearly statements include on and off budget expenses. You can read an actual statement here for further review: http://www.fms.treas.gov/mts/index.html

[avacado]

"FACT: There has never been a year in recent history where our debt DID NOT increase. So that budget surplus marlarky is just smoke and mirrors."

You are not understanding the budget statements. It is simply receipts minus outlays for on and off budget expenses. That's it. It's a number. You are adding in things that have nothing to do with the BUDGET statements. I am posting ONLY the budget results.