On the recordOctober 8, 1997
The Republican Congress spent $26 billion less than we said we were going to spend. But that is just part of the good news. That at a time when revenues actually increased by $20 billion more than we expected. Now, that is good news. I guess the problem with the media seldom does good news make the news. But if I can share what happened in 1997, because the news gets even better, and I think a lot of people have said, well, there really is not much difference, but let me give one other quick number. In fiscal year 1997, going back to our original 7-year balanced budget plan, we said we were going to spend in fiscal year 1997, $1624 billion. We actually spent, and, in fact, it may actually, when the final books are closed October 1st, and we do not have the final numbers yet, but the preliminary numbers of the Congressional Budget Office said we would spend $1612 billion.
Source
govinfo.gov
