Coined by fiscal conservatives, the term “starve the beast” became a popular metaphor for using tax cuts to reduce waste and profligacy in government spending. Although starve-the-beast theory still has reputable adherents, the growth of spending and deficits even in the face of large tax cuts has worn down at least some of its former supporters.

Bruce Bartlett is a syndicated columnist. He was formerly a staff economist to Congressman Jack Kemp, executive director of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, and deputy assistant secretary for economic policy at the U.S. Treasury Department.
EconomyFiscal Policy/DebtGovernment and PoliticsGovernment Waste/PorkTaxes