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Hi, I too am wondering why B is incorrect. Is it because there is no intention to have a causal effect between the two events by the writer?

@Irene-Vera, Great question. (B) says, "It refers to past and present events that do not have a causal connection with public support of the budget." The problem with (B) is that based on the stimulus, it does sound like a causal connection exists. The threat of the Eastern bloc on the U.S. is a large part of why America's defense budgets were so big. Thus, we can get rid of this answer choice. (E) says, "It hinges on the term "adequate," the precise meaning of which requires reevaluation in the new context." (E) picks up on the weakness in the argument. the word "adequate" is the problem with this argument. The first part of the argument describes the "substantial" defense budget, but then it makes conclusions about an "adequate" defense budget, which is equivocating the two terms for one another. Thus, (E) is the correct answer. Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any more questions!