United States 2018 Spending Bill Is Signed into Law

           The President of the United States signed into law the omnibus spending bill passed by the majority Republican Congress for fiscal year 2018 to fund federal agencies avoid another government shutdown.  The law is of mixed benefit and harm.

            The law appropriates $1.3 trillion more than expected revenue, a record large budget deficit.  It continues to fund federalized health insurance (Obamacare) and Planned Parenthood. 

           On the positive side, it includes additional sanctions on the Russian Federation, and provides the following: funds to assist States in defending against foreign election interference, lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine, increased defense spending, increased security for diplomatic missions, and increased border security, without including any concrete wall on the Mexican border, such as Donald Trump had promised during his presidential campaign that Mexico would pay for.  

           Although an increase in defense spending was particularly necessary after several years of cuts, in addition to the other items, conservatives must return to fiscal restraint as soon as possible.