S.conres7 - Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.Con.Res.7 is a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the U.S. government for fiscal year 2025 and establishing budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. It outlines recommended levels for federal revenues, new budget authority, outlays, deficits, and public debt. The resolution also specifies budgetary allocations for major functional categories, including National Defense, International Affairs, Energy, Health, and Social Security.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this resolution would set the framework for congressional spending and revenue decisions for the next decade. It would guide appropriations committees in allocating funds and provide a benchmark for evaluating the budgetary impact of proposed legislation. The reconciliation instructions would compel various committees to propose changes in laws to meet specific deficit reduction targets.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a framework for fiscal planning and resource allocation for the federal government.
- Sets targets for deficit reduction, potentially leading to greater fiscal stability.
- Allocates funding to essential government functions, such as national defense, healthcare, and education.
- Includes reserve funds for addressing unforeseen needs or policy priorities.
- Establishes a process for reconciliation, ensuring that budgetary goals are met.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Relies on projections and assumptions about future economic conditions, which may not be accurate.
- May lead to cuts in programs or services that benefit vulnerable populations.
- Could result in increased public debt if revenue targets are not met or spending exceeds projections.
- May create political gridlock and hinder the ability of Congress to address pressing national issues.
- Reconciliation instructions could force committees to make difficult choices with potentially negative consequences.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, pay debts, and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. It also aligns with the principle of separation of powers, as it sets forth the budgetary priorities of the legislative branch. However, the specific allocations and policy choices within the budget resolution may be subject to debate regarding their constitutionality and consistency with the general welfare clause.
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).