The Senate Budget Committee last week advanced reform legislation that would require lawmakers to pass two-year budget resolutions. The appropriations cycle would continue to be annual.
Despite a 15-6 committee vote and growing frustrations about the dysfunctional pace of the appropriations process, the bill is unlikely to become law. Similar reform plans have died in recent years.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) voted against the measure over concerns it would allow for “mandatory budget cuts triggered by a system that the majority party could easily manipulate,” CQ reported.
Navy photo of Sen. Ron Wyden by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott
Final Appropriations Deadline Approaches
Friday is the deadline for Congress to pass the final six appropriations bills for the current fiscal year. The defense appropriations bill is part of the package. Punchbowl News reported this morning that negotiators have finished work on defense spending and other...