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Publication Date: May 2007
Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
Author(s): Baker Spring
Research Area: Military and defense
Keywords: National security; readiness; spending restraint; hollow force
Type: Brief
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
The Bush Administration's budget proposal shows the defense budget declining to 3.2 percent of GDP by 2012. Even with robust levels of economic growth, this too small to meet the nation's defense needs. Spending 4 percent of GDP on defense can provide for national security if it is combined with pro-growth economic policies that restrain spending and keep taxes low.