It's common practice to refer to terms by the president of the period even if they're much less responsible for the effects than is implied.

Taxes went up and relative spending went down during the period when Bush Sr was president and Democrats controlled the House & Senate.

Taxes went up and relative spending went down during the period when Clinton was president and Republicans controlled the House & Senate.

This was not true when they had a trifecta. There are reasons many Americans prefer the parties split power.