Ex-Senate Budget Chief Economist: 2-Year Appropriations Can Stop Spending Crises.
Engaging the Budget Process: A Way Forward
As Congress teeters on the brink of a government shutdown, frustration with its inability to set spending levels in an orderly manner is reaching a boiling point. But Bill Beach, former chief economist for the Senate Budget Committee, believes he has a solution to break the cycle of missed budget deadlines and temporary fixes.
Beach, who served under two Republican chairmen and later became commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, proposes a major reform to the budget process. His idea? A biannual, two-step system that would create a budget in the first year and enact appropriations in the second year. This approach, which aligns with the two-year congressional election cycle, would allow for better planning and minimize the need for temporary measures.
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Beach argues that this reform is crucial to address the alarming increase in spending and public debt over the past five years. To avoid further credit downgrades and protect the value of the dollar, Congress must restore responsible fiscal practice. One way to signal this intent is through substantial reforms to the Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
Eric Ueland, another Senate Budget Committee veteran, agrees that the current budget process is in dire need of reform. With a history of continuing resolutions and partial government shutdowns, it’s clear that a thoughtful effort to revamp the federal budget process is long overdue.
One of the biggest obstacles to effective budgeting is the absence of budget buy-in and the decreasing share of discretionary spending. Only 27 percent of the annual federal budget is allocated to discretionary spending, while the rest is mandatory for entitlement programs.
While the two-year budget proposal has garnered support in Congress, it also faces criticism. Some argue that simply tweaking timelines won’t fix the underlying dysfunctions. However, Beach and other proponents believe that a biannual system would enhance accountability and better connect electoral debates with legislative priorities.
As the government shutdown looms, the urgency for budget reform grows. Will Congress rise to the occasion and restore order to the budget process? Only time will tell.
How would a biannual budget process provide stability and continuity?
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The current budget process, which often involves stopgap measures and government shutdown threats, has long been criticized as inefficient and ineffective. Without a long-term budget in place, government agencies find it difficult to plan and adequately address the needs of the country. Beach’s proposed biannual approach would provide stability and continuity in the budget process. By separating the budget creation and appropriation phases, Congress would have more time to discuss and negotiate spending priorities. This would help prevent situations where deadlines are constantly missed, leading to short-term funding measures that do not adequately address the long-term needs of the country. Furthermore, the biannual system would align with the two-year congressional election cycle and allow voters to hold their representatives accountable for their budget decisions. With a clear budget and appropriations process every two years, voters would have a better understanding of how their representatives are prioritizing spending and can make informed choices at the polls. Implementing such a reform, however, would require bipartisan support and commitment from both parties. It would be essential for Democrats and Republicans to work together to pass legislation that establishes a biannual budget process. This would require compromise and cooperation, which can be challenging in the current divisive political climate. Nevertheless, the benefits of a biannual budget process are clear. It would reduce the risk of government shutdowns and provide a more predictable and stable financial environment for government agencies. It would also promote sound fiscal planning and enable better long-term decision-making. While the current budget process has its flaws, it is encouraging to see proposals like Beach’s that offer potential solutions. Engaging in an open and constructive debate on budget reforms is crucial for the future of our country. By implementing a biannual budget system, Congress would take a major step forward in breaking the cycle of missed deadlines and temporary fixes. As Congress faces the current government shutdown threat, it is imperative that lawmakers seriously consider and explore innovative approaches like Beach’s proposal. The time has come to prioritize the budget process and ensure that it serves the best interests of the American people. Engaging in the necessary reforms today will pave the way for a more effective and efficient budget process in the future, allowing our government to better address the needs of the nation.
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