About 75% of government spending is now mandatory spending on entitlements (Social Security, etc.). Very unlikely that cuts will occur here.
So, 25% of the budget (Defense, etc.) would be available for “fiscally responsible cuts”.
It’s kabuki.
So all cuts in spending realistically, will come from that 25% which is not on automatic pilot.
The amounts involved are staggering. I’ve heard that there are over $100 Trillion, with a T, in unfunded liabilities of the federal government. That’s in addition to the “official” debt of $30 plus trillion as of now.
Without drastic action/divine intervention, I don’t see how these trillions of debt/unfunded liabilities can ever be paid.
Defense can afford cuts. But also we need to reform welfare. I know they will say that’s a drop in the bucket, but what is missed is the fact that you are paying people to NOT be productive which also hurts our GDP and ability to raise tax revenues from working people. And it teaches people to get on welfare and game the system. Don’t get married, get medicaid for the kids, the man goes to work and pays the bills while the women gets gov’t handouts.