HR 311 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To cap discretionary spending, eliminate wasteful and duplicative agencies, reform entitlement programs, and reform the congressional earmark process.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

January 8, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. BRADY of Texas (for himself, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. AKIN, Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina, Mr. BARTLETT, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. JORDAN of Ohio, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. PITTS, and Mr. POSEY) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committees on Rules and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To cap discretionary spending, eliminate wasteful and duplicative agencies, reform entitlement programs, and reform the congressional earmark process.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Spending Reform Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--CAPS ON DISCRETIONARY SPENDINGCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 101. DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS.

(a) Content of Concurrent Resolution on the Budget- Section 301(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by striking ‘and’ at the end of paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ‘; and’ at the end of paragraph (7), and by inserting at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(8) the discretionary spending limit.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Point of Order- Section 312(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Discretionary Spending Points of Order-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- (A) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or joint resolution (or amendment, motion, or conference report on that bill or resolution) that would exceed for any fiscal year the discretionary spending limit set forth in the most recent concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) It shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any concurrent resolution on the budget unless it sets forth a discretionary spending limit for the fiscal year beginning on October 1 of the calendar year in which that concurrent resolution is reported and for each of the 4 ensuing fiscal years that for any such fiscal year does not exceed the discretionary spending limit for the previous fiscal year increased by the estimated change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The discretionary spending limit for fiscal year 2010 is the number set forth in section 312(b)(2) of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) EXCEPTIONS- Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply if a declaration of war by the Congress is in effect.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Super Majority Point of Order in the Senate- Subsection (c)(1) and subsection (d)(2) of section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by inserting ‘312(b),’ after ‘310(d)(2),’ each place it appears.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--SUNSETTING OF FEDERAL AGENCIESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 201. REVIEW AND ABOLISHMENT OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.

(a) Schedule for Review- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Agency Sunset Commission established under section 202 (in this title referred to as the ‘Commission’) shall submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years (or less, if determined appropriate by Congress), of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Review of Agencies Performing Related Functions- In determining the schedule for review of agencies under subsection (a), the Commission shall provide that agencies that perform similar or related functions be reviewed concurrently to promote efficiency and consolidation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Abolishment of Agencies-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Each agency shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) be reviewed according to the schedule created pursuant to this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) be abolished not later than one year after the date that the Commission completes its review of the agency pursuant to such schedule, unless the agency is reauthorized by the Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EXTENSION- The deadline for abolishing an agency may be extended for an additional two years after the date described in paragraph (1)(B) if the Congress enacts legislation extending such deadline by a vote of a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

(a) Establishment- There is established a commission to be known as the ‘Federal Agency Sunset Commission’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Composition- The Commission shall be composed of 12 members (in this title referred to as the ‘members’) who shall be appointed as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Six members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom may include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with minority members appointed with the consent of the minority leader of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Six members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, one of whom may include the majority leader of the Senate, with minority members appointed with the consent of the minority leader of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Qualifications of Members-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- (A) Of the members appointed under subsection (b)(1), four shall be members of the House of Representatives (not more than two of whom may be of the same political party), and two shall be an individual described in subparagraph (C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Of the members appointed under subsection (b)(2), four shall be members of the Senate (not more than two of whom may be of the same political party) and two shall be an individual described in subparagraph (C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) An individual under this subparagraph is an individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) who is not a member of Congress; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) with expertise in the operation and administration of Government programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP- If a member was appointed to the Commission as a member of Congress and the member ceases to be a member of Congress, that member shall cease to be a member of the Commission. The validity of any action of the Commission shall not be affected as a result of a member becoming ineligible to serve as a member for the reasons described in this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Initial Appointments- All initial appointments to the Commission shall be made not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Chairman; Vice Chairman-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) INITIAL CHAIRMAN- An individual shall be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from among the members initially appointed under subsection (b)(1) to serve as Chairman of the Commission for a period of 2 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) INITIAL VICE CHAIRMAN- An individual shall be designated by the majority leader of the Senate from among the individuals initially appointed under subsection (b)(2) to serve as Vice Chairman of the Commission for a period of two years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) ALTERNATE APPOINTMENTS OF CHAIRMEN AND VICE CHAIRMEN- Following the termination of the two-year period described in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Speaker and the majority leader shall alternate every two years in appointing the chairman and Vice Chairman of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Terms of Members-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) MEMBERS OF CONGRESS- Each member appointed to the Commission who is a member of Congress shall serve for a term of six years, except that, of the members first appointed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), 2 members shall be appointed to serve a term of three years under each such paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) OTHER MEMBERS- Each member of the Commission who is not a member of Congress shall serve for a term of three years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) TERM LIMIT- (A) A member of the Commission who is a member of Congress and who serves more than three years of a term may not be appointed to another term as a member.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) A member of the Commission who is not a member of Congress and who serves as a member of the Commission for more than 56 months may not be appointed to another term as a member.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Powers of Commission-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) HEARINGS AND SESSIONS- The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this title, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths to witnesses appearing before it.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) OBTAINING INFORMATION- The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out its duties under this title. Upon request of the Chairman, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission in a full and timely manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) SUBPOENA POWER- (A) The Commission may issue a subpoena to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence relating to any matter under investigation by the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) If a person refuses to obey an order or subpoena of the Commission that is issued in connection with a Commission proceeding, the Commission may apply to the United States district court in the judicial district in which the proceeding is held for an order requiring the person to comply with the subpoena or order.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) IMMUNITY- The Commission is an agency of the United States for purposes of part V of title 18, United States Code (relating to immunity of witnesses).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) CONTRACT AUTHORITY- The Commission may contract with and compensate government and private agencies or persons for services without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Commission Procedures-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) MEETINGS- The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairman.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) QUORUM- Seven members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Personnel Matters-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) COMPENSATION- Members shall not be paid by reason of their service as members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES- Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) DIRECTOR- The Commission shall have a Director who shall be appointed by the Chairman. The Director shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay payable for GS-15 of the General Schedule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) STAFF- The Director may appoint and fix the pay of additional personnel as the Director considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE LAWS- The Director and staff of the Commission shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Other Administrative Matters-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) POSTAL AND PRINTING SERVICES- The Commission may use the United States mails and obtain printing and binding services in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES- Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties under this titleCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS- The Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(k) Sunset of Commission- The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2034, unless reauthorized by Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 203. REVIEW OF EFFICIENCY AND NEED FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES.

(a) In General- The Commission shall review the efficiency and public need for each agency in accordance with the criteria described in section 204.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Recommendations; Report to Congress- The Commission shall submit to Congress and the President not later than September 1 of each year a report containing--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) an analysis of the efficiency of operation and public need for each agency to be reviewed in the year in which the report is submitted pursuant to the schedule submitted to Congress under section 201;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) recommendations on whether each such agency should be abolished or reorganized;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) recommendations on whether the functions of any other agencies should be consolidated, transferred, or reorganized in an agency to be reviewed in the year in which the report is submitted pursuant to the schedule submitted to Congress under section 201; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) recommendations for administrative and legislative action with respect to each such agency, but not including recommendations for appropriation levels.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Draft Legislation- The Commission shall submit to Congress and the President not later than September 1 of each year a draft of legislation to carry out the recommendations of the Commission under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Information Gathering- The Commission shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) conduct public hearings on the abolishment of each agency reviewed under subsection (b);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) provide an opportunity for public comment on the abolishment of each such agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) require the agency to provide information to the Commission as appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) consult with the General Accounting Office, the Office of Management and Budget, the Comptroller General, and the chairman and ranking minority members of the committees of Congress with oversight responsibility for the agency being reviewed regarding the operation of the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Use of Program Inventory- The Commission shall use the program inventory prepared under section 208 in reviewing the efficiency and public need for each agency under subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 204. CRITERIA FOR REVIEW.

The Commission shall evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency pursuant to section 203 using the following criteria:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The effectiveness, and the efficiency of the operation of, the programs carried out by each such agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Whether the programs carried out by the agency are cost-effective.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Whether the agency has acted outside the scope of its original authority, and whether the original objectives of the agency have been achieved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Whether less restrictive or alternative methods exist to carry out the functions of the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The extent to which the jurisdiction of, and the programs administered by, the agency duplicate or conflict with the jurisdiction and programs of other agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The potential benefits of consolidating programs administered by the agency with similar or duplicative programs of other agencies, and the potential for consolidating such programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) The number and types of beneficiaries or persons served by programs carried out by the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) The extent to which any trends, developments, and emerging conditions that are likely to affect the future nature and extent of the problems or needs that the programs carried out by the agency are intended to address.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) The extent to which the agency has complied with the provisions contained in the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-62; 107 Stat. 285).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) The promptness and effectiveness with which the agency seeks public input and input from State and local governments on the efficiency and effectiveness of the performance of the functions of the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) Whether the agency has worked to enact changes in the law that are intended to benefit the public as a whole rather than the specific business, institution, or individuals that the agency regulates.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) The extent to which the agency has encouraged participation by the public as a whole in making its rules and decisions rather than encouraging participation solely by those it regulates.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) The extent to which the public participation in rulemaking and decisionmaking of the agency has resulted in rules and decisions compatible with the objectives of the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) The extent to which the agency complies with section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Freedom of Information Act’).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) The extent to which the agency complies with equal employment opportunity requirements regarding equal employment opportunity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) The extent of the regulatory, privacy, and paperwork impacts of the programs carried out by the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) The extent to which the agency has coordinated with State and local governments in performing the functions of the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) The potential effects of abolishing the agency on State and local governments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(19) The extent to which changes are necessary in the authorizing statutes of the agency in order that the functions of the agency can be performed in the most efficient and effective manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 205. COMMISSION OVERSIGHT.

(a) Monitoring of Implementation of Recommendations- The Commission shall monitor implementation of laws enacting provisions that incorporate recommendations of the Commission with respect to abolishment or reorganization of agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Monitoring of Other Relevant Legislation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Commission shall review and report to Congress on all legislation introduced in either house of Congress that would establish--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a new agency; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a new program to be carried out by an existing agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS- The Commission shall include in each report submitted to Congress under paragraph (1) an analysis of whether--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the functions of the proposed agency or program could be carried out by one or more existing agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the functions of the proposed agency or program could be carried out in a less restrictive manner than the manner proposed in the legislation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the legislation provides for public input regarding the performance of functions by the proposed agency or program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 206. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.

The Commission may promulgate such rules as necessary to carry out this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 207. RELOCATION OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

If the position of an employee of an agency is eliminated as a result of the abolishment of an agency in accordance with this title, there shall be a reasonable effort to relocate such employee to a position within another agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 208. PROGRAM INVENTORY.

(a) Preparation- The Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, shall prepare an inventory of Federal programs (in this title referred to as the ‘program inventory’) within each agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purpose- The purpose of the program inventory is to advise and assist the Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this title. Such inventory shall not in any way bind the committees of the Senate or the House of Representatives with respect to their responsibilities under this title and shall not infringe on the legislative and oversight responsibilities of such committees. The Comptroller General shall compile and maintain the inventory and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall provide budgetary information for inclusion in the inventory.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Inventory Content- The program inventory shall set forth for each program each of the following matters:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The specific provision or provisions of law authorizing the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives which have legislative or oversight jurisdiction over the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) A brief statement of the purpose or purposes to be achieved by the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The committees which have jurisdiction over legislation providing new budget authority for the program, including the appropriate subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The agency and, if applicable, the subdivision thereof responsible for administering the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The grants-in-aid, if any, provided by such program to State and local governments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) The next reauthorization date for the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) A unique identification number which links the program and functional category structure.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) The year in which the program was originally established and, where applicable, the year in which the program expires.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) Where applicable, the year in which new budget authority for the program was last authorized and the year in which current authorizations of new budget authority expire.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Budget Authority- The report also shall set forth for each program whether the new budget authority provided for such programs is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) authorized for a definite period of time;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) authorized in a specific dollar amount but without limit of time;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) authorized without limit of time or dollar amounts;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) not specifically authorized; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) permanently provided,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





as determined by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) CBO Information- For each program or group of programs, the program inventory also shall include information prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office indicating each of the following matters:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The amounts of new budget authority authorized and provided for the program for each of the preceding four fiscal years and, where applicable, the four succeeding fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The functional and subfunctional category in which the program is presently classified and was classified under the fiscal year 2010 budget.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The identification code and title of the appropriation account in which budget authority is provided for the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Mutual Exchange of Information- The General Accounting Office, the Congressional Research Service, and the Congressional Budget Office shall permit the mutual exchange of available information in their possession which would aid in the compilation of the program inventory.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Assistance by Executive Branch- The Office of Management and Budget, and the Executive agencies and the subdivisions thereof shall, to the extent necessary and possible, provide the General Accounting Office with assistance requested by the Comptroller General in the compilation of the program inventory.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 209. DEFINITION OF AGENCY.

As used in this title, the term ‘agency’ has the meaning given that term by section 105 of title 5, United States Code, except that such term includes an advisory committee as that term is defined in section 102(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 210. OFFSET OF AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED.

Amounts appropriated to carry out this title shall be offset by a reduction in amounts appropriated to carry out programs of other Federal agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON EARMARK REFORMCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 301. JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON EARMARK REFORM.

(a) Establishment and Composition- There is hereby established a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform. The joint select committee shall be composed of 16 members as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) 8 Members of the House of Representatives, 4 appointed from the majority party by the Speaker of the House, and 4 from the minority party to be appointed by the minority leader; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) 8 Members of the Senate, 4 appointed from the majority party by the majority leader of the Senate, and 4 from the minority party to be appointed by the minority leader.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





A vacancy in the joint select committee shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the functions of the joint select committee, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Study and Report-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) STUDY- The joint select committee shall make a full study of the practices of the House, Senate, and Executive Branch regarding earmarks in authorizing, appropriation, tax, and tariff measures. As part of the study, the joint select committee shall consider the efficacy of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the disclosure requirements of clause 9 of rule XXI and clause 17 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and the definitions contained therein;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) requiring full transparency in the process, with earmarks listed in bills at the outset of the legislative process and continuing throughout consideration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) requiring that earmarks not be placed in any bill after initial committee consideration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) requiring that Members be permitted to offer amendments to remove earmarks at subcommittee, full committee, floor consideration, and during conference committee meetings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) requiring that bill sponsors and majority and minority managers certify the validity of earmarks contained in their bills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) recommending changes to earmark requests made by the Executive Branch through the annual budget submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) requiring that House and Senate amendments meet earmark disclosure requirements, including amendments adopted pursuant to a special order of business;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(H) establishing new categories for earmarks, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) projects with National scope;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) military projects; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) local or provincial projects, including the level of matching funds required for such project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) The joint select committee shall submit to the House and the Senate a report of its findings and recommendations not later than 6 months after the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) No recommendation shall be made by the joint select committee except upon the majority vote of the members from each House, respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution, any recommendation with respect to the rules and procedures of one House that only affects matters related solely to that House may only be made and voted on by members of the joint select committee from that House and, upon its adoption by a majority of such members, shall be considered to have been adopted by the full committee as a recommendation of the joint select committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the joint select committee shall hold not fewer than 5 public hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Resources and Dissolution-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The joint select committee may utilize the resources of the House and Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The joint select committee shall cease to exist 30 days after the submission of the report described in subsection (a)(2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Definition- For purposes of this section, the term ‘earmark’ shall include congressional earmarks, congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as those terms are used in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate. Nothing in this subsection shall confine the study of the joint select committee or otherwise limit its recommendations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 302. MORATORIUM ON CONSIDERATION OF EARMARKS.

(a) In the House- It shall not be in order to consider a bill, joint resolution, or conference report containing a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit (as such terms are used in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives) until the filing of the report required under section 301.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) In the Senate- [Struck out->][ To be supplied. ][<-Struck out]CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SECURING AMERICA’S FUTURE ECONOMY COMMISSIONCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT.

There is established a commission to be known as the ‘Securing America’s Future Economy Commission’ (hereinafter in this title referred to as the ‘Commission’).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 402. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

(a) Mandatory Legislation Development-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ISSUES TO ADDRESS- The Commission shall examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address the following issues:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) The unsustainable imbalance between long-term Federal spending commitments and projected revenues.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Increasing net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) The implications of foreign ownership of debt instruments issued by the United States Government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) Improving the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) POLICY SOLUTIONS- Legislation developed to address the issues described in paragraph (1) may include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Reforms that limit the growth of entitlement spending to ensure that the programs are fiscally sustainable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Reforms that strengthen the safety net functions of entitlement programs to provide assistance to the neediest people.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Reforms that make United States tax laws more efficient and more conducive to encouraging economic growth.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) Incentives to increase private savings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) Any other reforms designed to address the issues described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Optional Development of Cost Estimate Alternatives-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Commission shall by an affirmative vote of 5 members develop not more than 2 methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the method currently used by the Congressional Budget Office.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) SPECIFICALLY- Any such alternative method must--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) be designed to address any shortcomings in the method currently used with regard to estimating the positive economic effects of legislation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) consider the use of automatic stabilizers or triggers to enforce spending and revenue targets, in the event that policies based on the alternative method fail to achieve targets for outlays and revenues.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) LIMITATION- Any alternative developed pursuant to this subsection shall generally comply with subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 413.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 403. INITIAL TOWN HALL STYLE PUBLIC HEARINGS.

(a) In General- The Commission shall hold at least 1 town hall style public hearing within each Federal reserve district, and shall, to the extent feasible, ensure that there is broad public participation in the hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Hearing Format- During each hearing, the Commission shall present to the public, and generate comments and suggestions regarding, the issues described in section 402, policies designed to address the issues, and tradeoffs between the policies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 404. REPORT.

The Commission shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit a report to Congress and the President containing the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) A detailed description of the activities of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) A summary of comments and suggestions generated from the town hall style public hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) A detailed statement of any findings of the Commission as to public preferences regarding the issues, policies, and tradeoffs presented in the town hall style public hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) A detailed description of the long-term fiscal problems faced by the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) A list of policy options for addressing those problems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Criteria for the legislative proposal to be developed by the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 405. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL.

(a) In General- Not later than 60 days after the date the report is submitted under section 404 and by a vote of three-fourths of the members, the Commission shall submit a legislative proposal to Congress and the President designed to address the issues described section 402.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Proposal Requirements- The proposal must, to the extent feasible, be designed--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to achieve generational equity and long-term economic stability;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to address the comments and suggestions of the public; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to meet the criteria set forth in the Commission report.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Inclusion of Cost Estimate- The Commission shall submit with the proposal--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) a long-term CBO cost estimate prepared under section 413 for the proposal; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) if an alternative cost estimate method is developed by the Commission, a 50-year cost estimate using such method.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 406. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS.

(a) In General- The Commission shall be composed of 16 voting members appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) and 2 nonvoting members described in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) VOTING MEMBERS- The Commission shall be composed of 16 voting members of whom--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) one shall be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) one shall be the Secretary of the Treasury;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) four shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) three shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) four shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) three shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) NONVOTING MEMBERS- The Comptroller General of the United States and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall each be nonvoting members of the Commission and shall advise and assist at the request of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) CHAIR AND CO-CHAIR- The President shall designate 2 co-chairpersons of the Commission from the members appointed under paragraph (1), one of whom must be a Republican and one of whom must be a Democrat.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Limitations as to Members of Congress-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) FOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ON COMMISSION- Each appointing authority described in subsection (a)(1) who is a member of Congress shall appoint 1 member of Congress to the Commission but may not appoint more than 1 member of Congress to the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTINUATION OF VOTING MEMBERSHIP- In the case of an individual appointed pursuant to subsection (a)(1) who was appointed as a member of Congress under paragraph (1), if such individual ceases to be a member of Congress, that individual shall cease to be a member of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Date for Original Appointment- The appointing authorities described in subsection (a)(1) shall appoint the initial members of the Commission not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Terms-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The term of each member is for the life of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) VACANCIES- A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled not later than 30 days after such vacancy occurs and in the manner in which the original appointment was made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Pay and Reimbursement-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) NO COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF COMMISSION- Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Commission may not receive pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES- Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Meetings- The Commission shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or a majority of its voting members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Quorum- Six voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 407. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.

(a) Director-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Subject to subsection (c) and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission shall appoint and fix the pay of a director.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) DUTIES- The director of the Commission shall be responsible for the administration and coordination of the duties of the Commission and shall perform other such duties as the Commission may direct.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Staff- In accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, subject to subsection (c), and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the director may appoint and fix the pay of additional personnel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws- The director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that pay fixed under subsection (a) may not exceed $150,000 per year and pay fixed under subsection (b) may not exceed a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Detailees- Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of their regular employment without interruption.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Experts and Consultants- In accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the director may procure the services of experts and consultants under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 408. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

(a) Hearings and Evidence- The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this title, hold such hearings in addition to the town hall style public hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Powers of Members and Agents- Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Mails- The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Administrative Support Services- Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Contract Authority- To the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Gifts- The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 409. TERMINATION.

The Commission shall terminate the earlier of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) 60 days after submitting its legislative proposal; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States determines and publishes in the Federal Register a statement that new legislation has been enacted that is estimated to reduce the fiscal gap by--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) 1 percent of gross domestic product, measured over the 20-year period beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of such legislation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) 2 percent of gross domestic product, measured over the 50-year period beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of such legislation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 410. ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL OF PRESIDENT.

The President may, not later than 90 calendar days after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, submit to Congress an alternative to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 411. ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FROM THE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET.

(a) From Committee- The Committee on the Budget of either House may, in consultation with the relevant committees of their respective House and not later than 90 calendar days after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, have published in the Congressional Record an alternative to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) From Ranking Member of the Committee- The ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget of either House may, not later than 90 calendar days after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, have published in the Congressional Record an alternative to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 412. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION.

(a) Introduction- Not later than the fifth legislative day after the Commission submits its legislative proposal, the majority leader of each House, or his designee, shall introduce (by request) the legislation submitted by the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) In the House of Representatives-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) PRIVILEGED CONSIDERATION- In the House of Representatives, the legislation shall be reported to the Committee on the Budget, which shall report the bill without substantive revision. If the Committee on the Budget has not reported the legislation before the expiration of the 90-day period described in section 411, then--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) that committee shall be discharged from consideration of the legislation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the legislation shall be placed on the appropriate calendar; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) a motion to proceed to the consideration of the legislation shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable, and a motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONSIDERATION CONSISTENT WITH CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT- Consideration of such legislation shall be pursuant to the procedures set forth in paragraphs (2), (5), and (6) of section 305(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to the extent not inconsistent with this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) AMENDMENTS LIMITED-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an amendment to the legislation may not be offered in the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PERMITTED AMENDMENTS- (i) Any member may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal submitted by the President.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) The chairman of the House Committee on the Budget may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal published in the Congressional Record by the House Committee on the Budget.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) The ranking minority member of the House Committee on the Budget may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal published in the Congressional Record by such ranking minority member.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) POINT OF ORDER-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- An amendment offered under subparagraph (B) is subject to a point of order if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) the amendment is not accompanied by a long-term CBO cost estimate of the amendment or a long-term revenue estimate of the amendment, which includes the information described in section 413, by the Joint Committee on Taxation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) it would increase the deficit or cause a deficit either for the period of the first 20 fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year after the current fiscal year or for the period of the first 50 fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year after the current fiscal year, as judged against the baseline.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) BASELINE- For purposes of clause (i)(II), the baseline shall be calculated using the assumption that the legislation submitted by the Commission has been enacted into law, subject to the limitation imposed by section 413(d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) WAIVER- A point of order raised under clause (i) may only be waived or suspended in the House of Representatives by a resolution devoted solely to the subject of waiving that point of order.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) MULTIPLE AMENDMENTS- If more than one amendment is offered under this paragraph, then each amendment shall be considered separately, and the amendment receiving both a majority and the highest number of votes shall be the amendment adopted.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) TRANSMITTAL TO THE SENATE- If the legislation passed in the House of Representatives pursuant to this section, the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall cause the legislation to be engrossed, certified, and transmitted to the Senate not later than 1 calendar day after the day on which the legislation is passed. Such legislation shall be referred to the Senate Committee on the Budget.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) In the Senate-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTOMATIC DISCHARGE OF SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE- If the Senate Committee on the Budget has not reported the legislation before the expiration of the 90-day period described in section 411, then--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the committee shall be discharged from consideration of the legislation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a motion to proceed to the consideration of the legislation is highly privileged and is not debatable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONSIDERATION- Consideration of such legislation shall be pursuant to the procedures set forth in paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (6) of section 305(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to the extent not inconsistent with this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) AMENDMENTS LIMITED-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an amendment to the legislation may not be offered in the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PERMITTED AMENDMENTS- (i) Any member may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal submitted by the President.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) The chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal published in the Congressional Record by the Senate Committee on the Budget.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) The ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Budget may offer, as an amendment in the nature of a substitute, the alternative legislative proposal published in the Congressional Record by such ranking minority member.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) POINT OF ORDER-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- An amendment offered under subparagraph (B) is subject to a point of order if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) the amendment is not accompanied by a long-term CBO cost estimate of the amendment or a long-term revenue estimate of the amendment, which includes the information described in section 413, by the Joint Committee on Taxation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) it would increase the deficit or cause a deficit either for the period of the first 20 fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year after the current fiscal year or for the period of the first 50 fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year after the current fiscal year, as judged against the baseline.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) BASELINE- For purposes of clause (i)(II), the baseline shall be calculated using the assumption that the legislation submitted by the Commission has been enacted into law, subject to the limitation imposed by section 413(d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) WAIVER OF POINT OF ORDER- A point of order raised under clause (i) may only be waived or suspended in the Senate by an affirmative vote of 3/5 of the members duly chosen and sworn.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) MULTIPLE AMENDMENTS- If more than one amendment is offered under this paragraph, then each amendment shall be considered separately, and the amendment receiving both a majority and the highest number of votes shall be the amendment adopted.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Prohibition on Concurrent Consideration of Other Budget-Related Legislation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Until a bill or joint resolution considered pursuant to the procedures of this section or a conference report thereon has been enrolled and presented to the President of the United States, it shall not be in order in either the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or joint resolution, amendment or motion thereto, or conference report thereon that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) provides new budget authority for any fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) provides for an increase in outlays for any fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) provides a decrease in revenues during any fiscal year; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) provides an increase in the public debt limit to become effective during any fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Subparagraphs (A) through (D) shall be applied on a provision-by-provision basis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EXCEPTIONS- Paragraph (1) does not apply--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to any measure under consideration prior to the introduction, in either House, of a bill or joint resolution considered pursuant to the procedures of this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to any measure considered after a bill or joint resolution considered pursuant to the procedures of this section has been defeated in either House; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) to any general appropriation bill or amendment thereto, but only to the extent of discretionary new budget authority provided for the budget year or for the first or second fiscal year after the budget year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) WAIVER-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES- In the House of Representatives, if a special rule is considered that would waive points of order pursuant to paragraph (1), a motion to strike the provision waiving such points of order shall be in order.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) SENATE- In the Senate, a point of order properly raised pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be waived only by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members senators duly chosen and sworn.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Application of Congressional Budget Act- To the extent that they are relevant and not inconsistent with this title, the provisions of title III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 shall apply in the House of Representatives and the Senate to any bill or joint resolution, any amendment thereto, and any conference report thereon that is considered pursuant to this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Rules of Senate and House of Representatives- This section is enacted by Congress--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and is deemed to be part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of a bill introduced pursuant to this section, and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as they relate to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 413. LONG-TERM CBO COST ESTIMATE.

(a) Preparation and Submission- When the Commission, the President, or the chairman or ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget of either House submits a written request to the Director of the Congressional Budget Office for a long-term CBO cost estimate of legislation proposed under this title or an amendment referred to in section 412(b)(3)(B) or section 412(c)(3)(B), the Director shall prepare the estimate and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Content- A long-term CBO cost estimate shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) an estimate of the cost of each provision (if practicable) or group of provisions of the legislation or amendment for first fiscal year it would take effect and for each of the 49 fiscal years thereafter; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) a statement of any estimated future costs not reflected by the estimate described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Form- To the extent that a long-term CBO cost estimate presented in dollars is impracticable, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office may instead present the estimate in terms of percentages of gross domestic product, with rounding to the nearest 1/10 of 1 percent of gross domestic product.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Limitations on Discretionary Spending- A long-term CBO cost estimate shall only consider the effects of provisions affecting revenues and direct spending (as defined by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985), and shall not assume that any changes in outlays will result from limitations on, or reductions in, annual appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink