Federal Spending, Free Trade and the Regulation Round-up

The House of Representatives passes a non-binding resolution to limit government spending.

The Obama White House belatedly discovers the virtues of free trade.

For those unsure how to drink water, the federal government provides a federal Drinking Water Advisory Council.

1. CONGRESS

The House of Representatives passes a non-binding resolution to limit government spending.

CEI Expert Available to Comment: Journalism Fellow Ryan Young on how this budget resolution is unlikely to translate into responsible spending.

“Of course, 2010 discretionary spending was $1.39 trillion. 2011 spending will very likely end up much closer to that than the targeted $1.12 trillion. The appropriations process is not kind to non-binding resolutions, however well-intentioned. Especially when the resolution ‘doesn’t detail how Congress should reach that [deficit reduction] goal.’”

2. TRADE

The Obama White House belatedly discovers the virtues of free trade.

CEI Expert Available to Comment: Adjunct Fellow Fran Smith on the costs of protectionist policies.

“Even if the Republicans make significant gains in the elections and push a free trade agenda, Strassel says, they’ll still need some Democratic support. And that’s where Obama needs to be serious about free trade and lead that charge against the protectionists and union blockers.”

3. NANNY STATE

For those unsure how to drink water, the federal government provides a federal Drinking Water Advisory Council.

CEI Expert Available to Comment: Journalism Fellow Ryan Young’s details more examples of nanny state involvement in this week’s Regulation Round-up.

“The federal government has a Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee. I also had one when I was a kid – my parents.”