The republican contolled congress spent money like drunken sailors (or marines to keep things fair). As this chart shows, the spike up was after 9/11. Did all that money go to good use? I'm sure their were earmarks attached to legitimate security bills. As Bushleauge stated previously, our country had to defend itself against further attacks. That cost money. Iraq, Afganistan, Iran and all the other side bar activities are debateable, sure I agree.

http://www.heritage.org/research/fea...

Also note the trend down pre 9/11 and recently. Some of the spending I hope is for products from Holocom, Talis etc...