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Analyzes the intentions of United States presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush in regards to the use of a budget surplus. Information on budget economics and different ten-year projected forecasts of the surplus amount; Implications for tax cuts; Lack of a clear commitment by the candidates in regard to their plans.

Reports on the efforts of Republicans in the United States Congress to cut taxes because of the estimated $75 billion surplus for fiscal year 1998. Where the surplus is from; The lack of consensus on where to cut taxes; Obstacles to tax cuts; The impact on Social Security; The likelihood of another government shut down like there was in 1996.

Explains why the United States will not likely experience a major tax cut from the federal government in 1999. The federal budget surplus; Political threats to Republicans should they cut taxes for the wealthy; Divisions in the Republican Party over tax-cut plans; Benefits of marginal tax cuts; Views of Federal Reserve Board Chairman Allan Greenspan; Current economic condition of the US; Possible reduction in the marriage-tax penalty.

Discusses how the US government is expected to use the predicted budget surplus for 1998. Why tax cuts are not likely; Support in Congress for paying down the federal debt or for aiding the Social Security Trust Fund; The stronger than expected revenues for the first fiscal quarter; What the surplus is expected to amount to; The limited tax cuts that could get through.