WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined his colleagues in introducing the Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act. The legislation would allow the President to submit a two-year budget, and members of Congress would then adopt a two-year budget resolution and two-year appropriations bills during the first session.
The second session of Congress would be devoted to the consideration of authorization bills and oversight of federal programs. Additionally, federal agencies would be able to spend more time focusing on implementing their mission, instead of working on the next year’s budget. Agencies would also benefit from greater budget certainty, reducing the need to plan for continuing resolutions or omnibus bills. The Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act would allow a reconciliation bill to be passed each fiscal year if necessary.
“These bipartisan, commonsense reforms move us one step closer to fixing Congress’ broken budget system. A biennial budget will allow Congress to focus on important work like oversight while also enabling federal agencies to carry out their missions without the annual threat of a shutdown,” said Senator Cramer. “It’s past time we enact responsible reforms to establish an accountable, practical process.”
U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the legislation in the Senate. Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO).
Click here for bill text.