December 17, 2009 9:17AM 

# Promises, Promises 

By [Michael F. Cannon](https://www.cato.org/people/michael-f-cannon) 

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*National Journal* headline: “[Obama Signs Spending Bill, Promises Future Restraint](http://bit.ly/6GrD5y).”

[Now where have I heard that before?](http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Newsletters/Washington-Health-Policy-in-Review/2009/Dec/December-7-2009/Orszag-Rejects-Criticism-That-Overhaul-Bill-Is-Too-Lax-on-Costs.aspx)

##### Related Tags 

[Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics), [Health Care](https://www.cato.org/health-care), [Tax and Budget Policy](https://www.cato.org/tax-budget-policy) 

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