I don't think of 'neocons' as especial proponents of the liberal interpretation of the "general welfare" clause. That sounds more like a "moderate", or "maverick" or any other media synonym for "liberal".
'Neocons' accept what has been accepted by the populace in the use of the liberal "general welfare" clause, isn't that right? That's pragmatic, no one can take the 'free' government goodies voters are used to away from them- absent a miracle.
Well at least you admit it. You're not a conservative. You're a FDR populist. 'Well it's there, no use in trying to stop it. Hey we'll make sure the next big thing (healthcare) isn't as big as it possibly could be. That's sort of conservative isn't it?'