Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1092 - Responsible Budgeting Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 1092, the "Responsible Budgeting Act," aims to modify the process by which the United States Congress increases the debt limit. The bill proposes an automatic increase in the debt limit tied to the passage of a concurrent budget resolution. It also outlines a procedure where the President can request an increase in the debt limit if Congress fails to pass a budget resolution that meets specific debt reduction targets.

Expected Effects

The bill would change the current process for raising the debt ceiling, potentially leading to more predictable and less politically charged increases. This could reduce the risk of government shutdowns or debt defaults. The President would have increased power to raise the debt ceiling, subject to Congressional disapproval.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduces the risk of debt default by automating the debt limit increase process when a budget resolution is adopted.
  • Provides a mechanism for the President to propose debt reduction measures if Congress fails to act.
  • Streamlines the process for Congressional consideration of debt limit increases and presidential proposals.
  • Could lead to more responsible budgeting by linking debt limit increases to budget resolutions with debt reduction targets.
  • Expedites the process in both the House and Senate, ensuring timely consideration of debt-related matters.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Could reduce Congressional oversight of the debt limit, as the increase becomes more automatic.
  • May lead to increased presidential power, potentially circumventing the traditional Congressional role in fiscal policy.
  • The debt reduction targets may be difficult to achieve, leading to political gridlock.
  • The expedited procedures could limit debate and amendment opportunities in Congress.
  • The definition of 'required ratio' might be subject to manipulation, leading to unintended consequences.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutionality is complex. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to borrow money. This bill seeks to modify the process by which Congress exercises this power. The provisions allowing the President to increase the debt limit, subject to Congressional disapproval, could be viewed as a delegation of Congressional authority, raising potential separation of powers concerns. However, Congress retains the power to disapprove the President's action, which could mitigate these concerns.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).