The gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States grew at a slower pace than expected during the first quarter of 2005 according to data released by the Commerce Department. At just 3.1 percent, it was the slowest rate of growth in over two years since the first quarter of 2003.

For months, President Bush's budget proposal has been criticized for not being an honest reflection of his intended policies or the current fiscal reality. The president purposely left out a number of major policies, including Social Security reform, extension of Alternative Minimum Tax relief, and perhaps most egregiously of all, any funding for the future cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That last omission garnered increased criticism from Capitol Hill last week.

Last week, after lengthy negotiations, House and Senate Republican leaders finally agreed to a set of compromises in the fiscal year 2006 (FY06) budget resolution that allowed both chambers to narrowly pass the legislation. Negotiated behind closed doors, the final budget resolution is a dishonest and irresponsible agreement that will weaken both the federal government and the U.S. economy -- and negatively impact most Americans. Most striking is that it provides another tax break for the wealthy and cuts programs to needy and middle-income Americans while still increasing the deficit.