Budget Control Act
The Budget Control Act Serves as the Budget for 2012 and 2013
The Budget Control Act states: “For the purpose of enforcing the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 through April 15, 2012 ... the allocations, aggregates, and levels set in subsection (b)(1) shall apply in the Senate in the same manner as for a concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2012.” In many ways, the Budget Control Act is even more extensive than a traditional budget resolution. Number one, it has the force of law, unlike a budget resolution that never goes to the President. A budget resolution is purely a Congressional document; the Budget Control Act is a law. Number two, it sets discretionary caps for 10 years, instead of the one year normally set in a budget resolution. Number three, it provides enforcement mechanisms, including two years of “deeming resolutions,” which allow budget points of order to be enforced. And fourth, it creates a reconciliation-like “Super Committee” process to address both entitlements and tax reform. And it backs that process up with a $1.2 trillion sequester.
The Senate Rejects Republican Budget Resolutions (May 16, 2012)
On May 16, 2012, the Senate rejected four Republican budget resolutions. Chairman Conrad spoke on each resolution, as well as on the need for a balanced, comprehensive plan that will address long-term fiscal concerns. Below are the related materials:
Transcript of Chairman Conrad's Opening Statement During Floor Debate on Republican Budgets
Transcript of Chairman Conrad's Additional Comments During Floor Debate on Republican Budget Resolution
Chart Used During Opening Statement During Floor Debate on Republican Budgets
Charts Used During Closing Statement on Republican Budget Resolutions
Charts Used During Floor Statement on Paul Budget Resolution
Charts Used During Floor Statement on Toomey Budget Resolution
Charts Used During Floor Statement on Lee Budget Resolution
Video of Opening Statement
Video of Remarks on Budget Control Act
Video of Remarks on Paul Budget
Video of Closing Statement
Video of Remarks Before the Vote on the Sessions Budget
Video of Remarks Before the Vote on the Ryan Budget
Video of Remarks Before the Vote on the Toomey Budget
Video of Remarks Before the Vote on the Paul Budget
Video of Remarks Before the Vote on the Lee Budget
Mark Up
Mark Up Materials (April 18, 2012)
Chairman Kent Conrad began a mark up of the Fiscal Commission Budget Plan on April 18, with opening statements from members of the Budget Committee followed by his laying down of the plan. Below are Chairman Conrad's opening remarks, charts, and other materials from the mark up:
Chairman Conrad's Floor Speech on the Fiscal Commission Budget Plan
Charts Used During Floor Speech on the Fiscal Commission Budget Plan
Chairman Conrad's Opening Statement and Additional Remarks
Charts used in the description of the Fiscal Commission Budget Plan
The Fiscal Commission Budget Plan
The Fiscal Commission Budget Plan's Tables
The Fiscal Commission Budget Plan's Legislative Language
Deeming Resolution
Senate Democrats Set Spending Levels For 2013 and Budget Enforcement Through 2022 (March 20, 2012)
On March 20, 2012, Senate Democrats set discretionary spending limits for fiscal year 2013 and budget enforcement levels for the Senate through 2022. The “deeming” resolution filed today by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) adheres to the reduced discretionary spending levels established in last summer’s Budget Control Act. His action allows Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) to proceed with drafting spending bills for fiscal year 2013, and ensures the Senate will have the tools to enforce those limits when the bills are considered.
FY 2013 Deeming Resolution
Transcript of Chairman Conrad's Floor Speech
Transcript of Chairman Conrad's Remarks at Press Conference
Charts Used During Press Conference and During Floor Speech
Conrad/Inouye Letter to House GOP Leadership on FY 2013 Spending Levels