The President recommended $57,500 for all three categories, which was implemented in 1977.

Nor did he describe what the President had recommended.

Indeed, for the first time in the base-closing process, the panel proposed saving more money than the President recommended.

The President recommends new subsidies for retirement savings whose cost will mushroom over time.

"Whatever the President recommends we should let go into effect," Mr. Wright said.

The President recommended separate steps to improve protection for people under the age of 65 who are not enrolled in Medicare.

"Among other things," he states, "the President recommended that there be no direct money for the national support centers."

Or the President could recommend that he and Congress simply ignore the excess spending, as has been done in the past.

All money bills originate in Parliament, but only if the President recommends them.

"I don't think any American President would recommend to his own people to run these risks."