Did you know that, since the FY2000 budget, federal government spending has risen from just under $1.8 Trillion to more than $3.8 Trillion for FY2011? It’s okay if you didn’t, because Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) apparently doesn’t know it either.

This video is from a June 9, hearing of the House Budget Committee. Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA) appears to be trying to score rhetorical points. He wants to ‘smear’ conservatives who oppose new tax increases, by suggesting that it’s bad to favor only spending cuts in order to achieve a balanced budget. And Connolly apparently does not know that Congress actually has the power to make budget decisions. Instead, he seems to seek a reassurance from Fed Chairman Bernanke that no, Congress cannot cut spending.