LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: President Clinton unveiled the final budget of his administration today, but it doesn't appear to be any more popular with Republicans than his previous spending plans. CNN White House correspondent Major Garrett has the details.</s>MAJOR GARRETT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Lou, the president this morning enthusiastically painted a picture of a debt-free America by the year 2013. And he said his budget was the best way to get there.</s>WILLIAM J. CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is a balanced budget with a balanced approach to our national priorities. It maintains our fiscal discipline, pays down the debt, extents the life of Social Security and Medicare, and invests in our families and our future.</s>GARRETT: Republicans have been pouring over the budget all day, and they contend new spending proposals gobble up too much of the surplus.</s>SEN. PETE DOMENICI (R-NM), CHAIRMAN, BUDGET COMMITTEE: It is a budget that's on autopilot in terms of all the programs of our country for 10 years. They're growing at the rate of inflation automatically. And then there's about $340 billion in new programs. And the more you look at it, the more you wonder, is this an overconscious effort to put so many spending programs on the line that there will be nothing left of any significance to give back to the American taxpayers even when you have the largest surplus in the history of America.</s>GARRETT: The president's budget is only a blueprint, and Congress is already drafting its response. And confrontations loom on tax cuts, prescription drug benefits and defense spending -- Lou.</s>WATERS: Major Garrett at the White House.
President Clinton Unveils His Budget Proposal