A majority of all federal discretionary spending is for defense and national security. So, if you’re looking to trim the federal budget, why not start there? But Romney/Ryan wants to maintain current levels — $700 billion or so.

There are corners of the GOP, though, where there is an appetite for military spending cuts. Congressman Mick Mulvaney is a leader. Over at the American Conservative, Michael Ostrolenk interviews Mulvaney on the issue. Some excerpts:

I think it is important that conservatives show a willingness to look at all spending with the same level of critical analysis. To think that the Defense Department is somehow immune from the same tendencies toward inefficiency and waste as we know all other areas of government to possess, is just absurd. More importantly, perhaps, showing that willingness builds our credibility when it comes to reducing spending elsewhere….

Sign Up for the Timothy P. Carney newsletter!

Please enter your email address below to begin receiving the Timothy P. Carney newsletter.

You must enter a valid email address in the field above!

Thank you for signing up for the Timothy P. Carney newsletter! You should receive your first newsletter very soon.

We're sorry, there was an error processing your newsletter signup. Please click here to visit our Newsletter Signup Center to register for this newsletter.

Too many Members of Congress are still afraid to cut even a penny from the defense budget out of fear of looking “weak on defense.” We need to change the culture that exists now that equates dollars spent with commitment to national defense.

Again, read the interview.