You're right. The same thing happened during most of the Bush Administration. I think that most Republicans would cut spending in an ideal world, but the leadership knows that if they make spending cuts a priority, not only do they not attract Democratic votes, they lose marginal votes in their own ranks. And of course, if they force big cuts, Democrats will start filibustering appropriations bills in the Senate. Either way, concessions have to be made, and the first concession is always on entitlement spending, because from a political standpoint, it's the hardest area to cut - much harder than even the Pentagon.
Most of us would even accept a modest tax increase if we actually believed spending would be cut enough to balance the budget. But we know that wouldn't happen. If we raised taxes a little, appropriators would start drooling at the extra cash.
Yep. In fact, when Trump pledged to oppose entitlement reform, he basically ended any chance at fiscal responsibility for the next several years.
