When President [Bush] submitted his budget to Congress, he announced his intent to limit the growth of federal spending. Congress concurred with this goal and adopted spending guidelines accordingly.

This year, the situation is reversed. Bush is committed to fiscal discipline and has said he will veto bills that he thinks spend too much. The president has a reasonable view of the budget. He understands the need to make investments in crucial areas such as health care, education and national defense -- and in protecting Social Security and Medicare.