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Focuses on the United States federal budget surplus as of November 1, 2000. Indications that U.S. legislators are using the surplus to fund unwise projects for the purpose of shoring up constituent support; Presents reasons that budget proposals by the U.S. president elected in 2000 may not be implemented for two years; Possibility that the budget will continue to reap a surplus.

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.

Examines the predictions for United States federal budget surplus and the opinion of analysts with the Schwab Washington Research Group that the Congressional Budget Office and the White House's Office of Management are estimating conservatively.

Focuses on the rapid expansion of the economic surplus in the United States and its possible allocations and political ramifications.

Contends that the real tax debate in the United States is how to spend budget surpluses.

Speculates that the United States budget surplus may erode if the global financial crisis continues to slow down US economic growth. Amount of the surplus; Surplus allowing the US to fight recession; Role of interest rates; Expectation that tax cuts and spending will become important political topics; How surpluses are viewed in Europe; Unemployment in Europe; Steps taken by Japan's government to aid the economy there.

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.

Examines ideas about how the United States government should spend anticipated budget surpluses. Views of President Bill Clinton that the surplus should pay back the federal debt; Further use of surpluses to buy private assets for the government; Short-term goals; Views of some Republicans about how to spend the funds; Tax cuts and spending for the Social Security Trust Fund; Uncertainty of long-term surplus projections.

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.

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.