Saying that projections are better than anyone expected, Rep. Mark Neumann, R-Wis., Tuesday predicted the federal government could have a $25 billion surplus at the end of fiscal 1998--and that the surplus could grow to $100 billion.
"We are outperforming every projection in the budget agreement," Neumann, a member of the House Budget and Appropriations committees, said following a budget forum he sponsored.
Neumann said analysts are keeping projections low to avoid a rush to increase spending. "If you predict higher revenue, you get higher Washington spending," he said.
Neumann added, however, that the surplus will be obvious soon, declaring, "It's going to become undeniable."
An aide to House Budget Chairman Kasich declined comment.
The Congressional Budget Office's latest projections estimate a deficit of $57 billion for FY98, $52 billion for FY99 and $48 billion for FY2000.
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