S.2090 - Budget Reform Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Budget Reform Act of 2025 (S.2090) proposes significant changes to the US budget process. Key reforms include shifting to a biennial budget cycle, mandating zero-based budgeting, and increasing transparency in Congressional Budget Office (CBO) modeling. The bill also introduces compliance measures, such as travel restrictions for political employees and the President if the budget is late, and alters Senate rules regarding points of order.
Expected Effects
The shift to a biennial budget could lead to more long-term planning and potentially reduce the frequency of budget-related political standoffs. Zero-based budgeting may force agencies to justify their spending more rigorously, potentially leading to greater efficiency. Increased CBO transparency could enhance public trust and allow for more informed debate on the fiscal impacts of legislation.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Transparency: Public access to CBO models and data could lead to more informed public discourse.
- Potential for Efficiency: Zero-based budgeting may encourage agencies to eliminate wasteful spending.
- Reduced Political Gridlock: Biennial budgeting could decrease the frequency of budget-related crises.
- Improved Long-Term Planning: A two-year budget cycle may allow for better strategic planning by government agencies.
- Enhanced Accountability: Compliance measures like travel restrictions could incentivize timely budget submissions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Flexibility: Biennial budgeting may make it harder to respond to unforeseen economic or national security events.
- Increased Workload in Odd Years: The concentration of budget activity in odd-numbered years could strain congressional resources.
- Potential for Gaming the System: Agencies might find ways to manipulate zero-based budgeting to maintain funding levels.
- Implementation Challenges: Shifting to a new budget process could be complex and disruptive.
- Unintended Consequences: Travel restrictions could hinder government operations if not carefully implemented.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill primarily addresses budgetary procedures, which fall under Congress's power of the purse as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The proposed changes to Senate rules are within the Senate's authority to determine its own rules of proceedings (Article I, Section 5). The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).