The Fiscal Compass
An authoritative exploration of the United States House Committee on the Budget, detailing its role in fiscal policy, budget process oversight, and legislative functions.
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Committee Overview
Foundational Role
The United States House Committee on the Budget is a standing committee within the U.S. House of Representatives. Its primary mandate involves legislative oversight of the federal budget process. This includes the critical review of all bills and resolutions pertaining to the budget, as well as monitoring agencies and programs that operate outside the formal budgetary framework.[1]
Historical Context
While currently a standing committee, its origins trace back to brief periods as a select committee in 1919 and 1921, during the 66th and 67th United States Congresses. It was formally established as a standing committee in 1974, marking a significant evolution in congressional fiscal oversight.[1]
Legislative Authority
The committee's work is central to the federal budget process. It is responsible for preparing the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget, which establishes aggregate levels for federal revenue and spending for a given fiscal year. This resolution, by law, must be adopted by Congress, though this deadline is frequently missed.[1]
Committee's Functional Role
Budget Resolution and Allocations
The committee's most significant output is the annual Congressional Budget Resolution. This document sets overall spending guidelines and allocates specific amounts of "new budget authority" to each House committee. These allocations are crucial for legislative consideration, as bills exceeding these limits are subject to points of order on the House floor, potentially preventing their passage unless the point of order is waived.[1]
Oversight and Enforcement
The committee actively engages in legislative oversight. It holds hearings on the President's annual budget request and reviews supplemental budget requests, often related to emergencies like natural disasters or ongoing military operations. The committee possesses the authority to amend, approve, or table budget-related legislation, and it plays a role in enforcing established federal budget rules, including the power to conduct investigations and subpoena witnesses.[1]
CBO Oversight
Furthermore, the committee exercises oversight responsibilities concerning the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The CBO provides non-partisan analysis of budgetary and economic issues to support the Congressional budget process, making the committee's oversight vital for informed fiscal decision-making.[1]
Operational Rules
Meeting Cadence
The committee typically convenes on the second Wednesday of each month when the House is in session. However, this regular schedule is often waived, with meetings convened primarily when significant budgetary matters arise, particularly during the early part of the calendar year following the issuance of the President's budget.[1]
Procedural Requirements
Conducting business requires a quorum. For hearings, a minimum of two members must be present. Business meetings, such as mark-ups of legislative proposals, necessitate the presence of a majority of the committee's members. Failure to meet quorum requirements for passing legislation can render it vulnerable to points of order on the House floor.[2]
Member Engagement
The committee may only consider measures formally placed before it, either by the Chair or through a majority vote of its members. During hearings, members are recognized to question witnesses based on seniority when the hearing commences, or by order of arrival thereafter.[1]
Committee Membership
Current Leadership and Composition
For the 119th Congress, the committee is chaired by Representative Jodey Arrington (R-Texas). The Ranking Member is Representative Brendan Boyle (D-Pennsylvania). The committee comprises 37 seats, allocated with a majority of 21 seats for the Republican Party and 16 seats for the Democratic Party.[1]
Membership Term Limits
House rules impose term limits on committee service. Rank-and-file members must rotate off after three terms, while Chairs and Ranking Members are limited to four terms. However, these limits are frequently waived through House resolutions, allowing experienced members to continue their service.[2]
119th Congress Membership
Majority (Republican) | Minority (Democratic) |
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|
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Resolutions electing members: H.Res. 13 (Chair), H.Res. 14 (Ranking Member), H.Res. 54 (R), H.Res. 55 (D), H.Res. 108 (Chu)[1]
Historical Membership
The committee has seen notable members who later achieved significant national roles. Former members include Leon Panetta, Rob Portman, Jim Nussle, John Kasich (who became Governor of Ohio), and Paul Ryan (who served as Speaker of the House). These individuals demonstrate the committee's role as a training ground for future national leaders in fiscal policy.
Historical Trajectory
Evolution of the Committee
The committee's journey began as a select committee during the 66th and 67th Congresses (1919-1921). It was later re-established as a standing committee in 1974, a pivotal moment that solidified its role in shaping the nation's fiscal landscape. This transition underscored the growing importance of structured congressional oversight over federal spending and revenue.[1]
Notable Former Members
The committee has served as a significant platform for members who later ascended to prominent national positions. Individuals like Leon Panetta, Rob Portman, Jim Nussle, John Kasich, and Paul Ryan have all served on the committee, leveraging their experience in fiscal matters to influence broader policy, including executive branch roles and leadership within Congress.[1]
Key Legislative Actions
Fiscal Year 2014 Budget
A notable piece of legislation reported out by the committee was the U.S. House Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, designated as H. Con. Res. 25 during the 113th Congress. This resolution was reported out of the Budget Committee on March 15, 2013, and subsequently passed the House of Representatives on March 21, 2013, by a vote of 221-207.[1]
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from publicly available data, specifically the Wikipedia article on the United States House Committee on the Budget, and may not reflect the most current legislative status or all nuances of the committee's operations.
This is not official government information or policy advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consulting official government sources, legislative documents, or seeking advice from qualified parliamentary procedure experts or policy analysts. Always refer to official U.S. government websites and publications for definitive information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.