H.R.3912 - Stop the Baseline Bloat Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3912, the "Stop the Baseline Bloat Act of 2025," aims to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. The bill seeks to exclude resources designated as emergency requirements or provided in supplemental appropriations laws from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations. This adjustment intends to provide a more accurate picture of the federal budget by preventing emergency spending from inflating future baseline projections.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to alter how the CBO calculates baseline projections for discretionary spending. By excluding emergency spending and supplemental appropriations, the baseline would reflect a more stable, non-emergency-driven level of spending. This could lead to more transparent budget discussions and potentially restrain future spending increases based on inflated baselines.
Potential Benefits
- More accurate budget forecasting by excluding emergency spending from baseline projections.
- Increased transparency in the federal budget process.
- Potential for restrained spending growth by preventing inflated baselines.
- Could lead to more informed decisions about discretionary spending.
- May encourage Congress to be more judicious in designating spending as "emergency" spending.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May create an artificially low baseline, potentially leading to underfunding of future needs if emergencies become more frequent.
- Could limit flexibility in responding to unforeseen events if the baseline does not reflect potential emergency spending.
- The definition of "emergency requirement" could be subject to political manipulation.
- May not address the underlying issues driving emergency spending.
- Potential for disagreement on what constitutes a legitimate emergency.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill primarily concerns budgetary procedures and does not directly infringe upon any specific constitutional provision. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 grants Congress the power of the purse, giving them broad authority over federal spending. The bill's focus on amending budget control acts falls within this purview. However, the potential for manipulation of emergency designations could indirectly impact the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, depending on how these designations are interpreted and implemented.
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).