Meaning: The quote in question revolves around the criticism directed at former President George W. Bush for his significant increases in government spending, particularly in comparison to the previous administration under President Bill Clinton. The critique comes from conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute, both of which are influential institutions in the realm of conservative policy and ideology.

During the presidency of George W. Bush, government spending experienced considerable growth across various sectors, including defense, healthcare, and education. This expansion in spending was fueled by a combination of factors, including the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and domestic initiatives such as the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and No Child Left Behind Act.

The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative research and educational institution, has been vocal in its criticism of the Bush administration's fiscal policies. The organization advocates for limited government intervention and free-market principles, and it has expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the significant spending increases during the Bush years. The Heritage Foundation has argued that the expansion of government programs and the associated rise in federal spending could lead to detrimental effects on economic growth, individual liberties, and the overall fiscal health of the nation.

Similarly, the Cato Institute, another influential libertarian think tank, has also raised objections to the substantial growth in government spending under President Bush. As proponents of limited government and individual liberty, Cato scholars have highlighted the potential negative consequences of expansive government programs and the resulting strain on taxpayers. The institute has emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and has criticized the Bush administration for what it perceives as excessive and unsustainable budgetary practices.

Jim Cooper, the politician cited in the quote, has been known for his involvement in fiscal and budgetary matters during his tenure in the United States House of Representatives. As a Democratic representative from Tennessee, Cooper has often advocated for fiscal discipline and has expressed concerns about the impact of escalating government spending on the nation's economy and future generations.

The criticism of President Bush's spending policies by conservative think tanks and politicians reflects broader debates within the conservative movement regarding the role of government and the importance of fiscal restraint. It underscores the tension between the desire for robust national security and social programs and the commitment to limited government and fiscal conservatism.

Overall, the quote captures the significant concerns raised by conservative voices regarding the expansion of government spending during the Bush administration and its implications for the nation's fiscal health and the principles of limited government. It illustrates the ongoing ideological and policy debates surrounding fiscal policy and government intervention in the United States.