Actually, as I recall during the Clinton years there was some law that "dictated" (thought that might be an interesting word
) that no spending was allowed unless it was paid for. Increased taxes or reduction in costs elsewhere, a "Pay as you go" kind of plan. What ever happened to that?
Now due to the current economic crisis I can see where that law might not apply during these extra ordinary times. Like the bank and Wall St. rescues, sometimes the Gov has to take extra ordinary action.