But to help preserve the social safety net, Congress stipulated that states must also continue spending their own money.

Mr. Biden asked if the government expected to continue spending nearly $4 billion a month on the troops into 2004.

"This resolution makes it clear that the federal government cannot continue spending more than it takes in."

In addition, they want to give states incentives to continue spending their own money on welfare.

The only alternative, he said, was to continue spending at last year's levels by passing one or more "continuing resolutions."

The couple also plan to continue spending a month or so in Florida in the winter.

As a result, both countries are likely to continue spending too much money on arms, leaving scant resources for schools, infrastructure and public health.

The plan would require states to continue spending their own money, but the state portion would often be less than is now required.

But to help preserve the social safety net, Congress required states to continue spending their own money as well.

She also predicted that the communications industry was likely to continue spending heavily in Washington.