I have asked what you just said many times in a rhetorical way, of course...
WHY does President Bush always get the blame for spending...when half the time, Congress increases the amount that Bush puts in his budget...
Of course, then we get back----then why doesn't he veto the bills??? Which IS a good question....but, there are too many reasons to list...but mostly, I think that getting ANY bill through the House and the Senate...then, through a conference committee...and then BACK through the House and Senate...in such a PARTISAN time in Washington (remember, the dems will never believe that Bush is a legitimate POTUS)...
I think that Bush is just grateful to get anything TO sign..
I also think the biggest example of what I am trying to describe is the Energy Bill----Bush has been fighting for a comprehensive energy bill that would get us away from dependence on foreign oil....and what happens...
NOW..both dems and GOP are coming out saying we need a NEW Energy bill, even though they still won't allow drilling in ANWR and off shore.
There is truth in that. I'd imagine Bush is extremely frustrated at the fact he can't get more favorable legislation out of a House and Senate where his side is the majority.
Perhaps he gets more credit for the spending because he doesn't object. He needn't veto every bill that crosses his desk if he'd veto a select fiew announcing his opposition to them and others base on fiscal principles.