A majority of House lawmakers now support a bipartisan measure authored by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.) and Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) aimed at shifting the federal government to a biennial budgeting process that promises to be more efficient.
Under the Biennial Budgeting and Enhanced Oversight Act (H.R. 1610), lawmakers would complete the budget resolution and appropriations bills in the first year of each Congress. The second year would be devoted to oversight of the spending approved by lawmakers in the first year, and for supplemental appropriations measures to fill in gaps.
Advocates for the measure argue that it would result in a more comprehensive review of spending and allow greater focus on the most significant drivers of deficits and the debt.
During his 2014 testimony to the House Rules Committee, Concord Coalition Executive Director Robert L. Bixby argued that a 2-year budget cycle would improve long-term planning and encourage broad fiscal reforms.
External links:
Push for Biennial Budgets Wins House Majority (The Hill)
Budget Reform Milestone on Eve of Fiscal Cliff (Ribble)
2014 Testimony by Concord Executive Director
