Despite official Washington’s increasing fixation on the federal budget deficit, most voters think cutting federal spending is a bigger priority.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of likely U.S. voters think reducing federal government spending is more important than reducing the deficit. Thirty-four percent (34%) put reducing the deficit first.
Most voters are still not convinced, even with a new Republican majority in the House, that Congress will actually cut government spending substantially over the next year. GOP voters are among the most doubtful.
Sixty-nine percent (69%) of voters, in fact, are pessimistic what Congress will accomplish in terms of government spending.
Seventy-four percent (74%) of Republicans and 50% of voters not affiliated with either of the major parties say cutting spending is more important than reducing the deficit. Democrats are more narrowly divided on the question.
Most conservatives and moderates say spending cuts should come first, but most liberals say deficit reduction is paramount.
Voters have consistently said in surveys for years that increased government spending hurts the economy, while decreased spending has a positive effect on the economy.
What say you? What’s more important, spending cuts or deficit reduction?
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