Some analysts believe President Clinton's proposed budget would increase government bureaucrats' power and control over the federal purse through new, continued and expanded use of user fees.

• Revenues from user fees would go directly to a government agency where bureaucrats have control over the money, rather than to the Treasury's general fund, where Congress has control.
• The president's proposed budget contains 15 user fees, from a "domestic icebreaking fee" to permits to dredge wetlands, charges for stockyard inspections and fees on the aviation industry.
• Current figures show user fees cost the economy $47 billion.

In the present economic environment, many economists argue there is room for a generous middle-class tax cut -- but only if increases in government discretionary spending are contained.

• According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the robust American economy could by itself cut the deficit by $74 billion in 1998 and by $408 billion through 2002.
• The Clinton budget calls for an increase of $176 billion in discretionary spending -- costs in addition to the formidable challenge of controlling runaway entitlements.

Source: Robert D. Novak , "Reinforcing Bureaucracy," Washington Post, April 17, 1997.