• "The problem with a spending freeze is you're using a hatchet where you need a scalpel."

• "John, it's been your president... who presided over this increase in spending. This orgy of spending and enormous deficits."

• "We are currently spending $10 billion a month in Iraq when they have a $79 billion surplus."

• "The first thing we have to do is get spending under control in Washington. It's completely out of control."

• "How about a spending freeze on everything but defense, veteran affairs and entitlement programs?"

• "I've got a pen, and I'm going to veto every single spending bill that comes across my desk."