Members' Day

Comments for the Record

Joint Select Committee on

Budget and Appropriations Process Reform

Members' Day

Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 9:00 AM

By Michael G. Bindner

Center for Fiscal Equity

Co-Chairs Womack and Lowey, thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments for the record on budget and appropriations process reform.  By now Members and Staff should be familiar with our proposals for both process and tax reform so, instead of offering them again, we will offer questions for Members testifying today. There are three:

First, how would the behavior of the Congress change if, pursuant to a Joint Budget Resolution or an amended Budget Control Act, automatic appropriations were made if Congress did not act by the start of the Fiscal Year?

Second, what fears do you have of President’s misusing the veto if automatic appropriations were passed?

Third, if you favor a FairTax or a Value Added Tax, how would this fit under a system with automatic appropriation? What about a regional consumption tax with a balance requirement?

Thank you for the opportunity to address the Joint Select Committee.  We are, of course, available for direct testimony or to answer questions by members and staff.