[Senate Prints 116-13]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
116th Congress} { S. Prt. 12
1st Session } COMMITTEE PRINT { 116-13
======================================================================
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
ON THE BUDGET
FISCAL YEAR 2020
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COMMITTEE PRINT
TO ACCOMPANY
S. CON. RES. 12
TOGETHER WITH
ADDITIONAL VIEWS AND MINORITY VIEWS
COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET
UNITED STATES SENATE
Michael B. Enzi, Chairman
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
April 2019
Prepared for the use of the Committee on the Budget. This document has
not been officially approved by the Committee and may not reflect the
views of its members.
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
35-701 WASHINGTON : 2019
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116th Congress} { S. Prt. 12
1st Session } COMMITTEE PRINT { 116-13
======================================================================
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
ON THE BUDGET
FISCAL YEAR 2020
__________
COMMITTEE PRINT
TO ACCOMPANY
S. CON. RES. 12
TOGETHER WITH
ADDITIONAL VIEWS AND MINORITY VIEWS
COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET
UNITED STATES SENATE
Michael B. Enzi, Chairman
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
April 2019
Prepared for the use of the Committee on the Budget. This document has
not been officially approved by the Committee and may not reflect the
views of its members.
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
35-701 WASHINGTON : 2019
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET
MICHAEL B. ENZI, Wyoming, Chairman
CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, Iowa BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont
MIKE CRAPO, Idaho PATTY MURRAY, Washington
LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, South Carolina RON WYDEN, Oregon
PATRICK TOOMEY, Pennsylvania DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan
RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, Rhode Island
DAVID A. PERDUE, Georgia MARK R. WARNER, Virginia
MIKE BRAUN, Indiana JEFF MERKLEY, Oregon
RICK SCOTT, Florida TIM KAINE, Virginia
JOHN KENNEDY, Louisiana CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota KAMALA D. HARRIS, California
Elizabeth McDonnell, Republican Staff Director
Warren Gunnels, Minority Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
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Page
I. Overview...................................................... 1
II. Resolution Levels............................................ 9
III. Reconciliation and Enforcement.............................. 25
IV. Economics.................................................... 29
V. Reserve Funds................................................. 35
VI. Summary Tables............................................... 37
VII. Committee Votes............................................. 51
VIII. Views and Estimates........................................ 63
IX. Additional and Minority Views................................ 271
OVERVIEW
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Fiscal Year 2020 Budget: Strengthening America's Future
An important first step in strengthening America's future
must be a budget that reduces overspending and puts our Nation
on a more sustainable fiscal path.
The American economy is the strongest it has been in years.
Buoyed by regulatory relief and the most sweeping reform of the
tax code in more than 30 years, last year saw faster growth,
more jobs, and higher paychecks for millions of American
families. But this economic prosperity is in jeopardy if
nothing is done to address the Federal Government's
unsustainable overspending.
In its January 2019 report, The Budget and Economic
Outlook: 2019 to 2029, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
projects that annual deficits will exceed $1 trillion by fiscal
year 2022 and continue growing thereafter. Cumulative deficits
will amount to more than $5.2 trillion over the next 5 years
and $11.6 trillion from fiscal years 2020 to 2029.
Continued overspending and growing deficits will expand our
already high Federal debt to even more dangerous levels.
Federal debt held by the public is set to increase from 78
percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year to 86 percent
by 2024 and 93 percent by 2029. By 2036, debt held by the
public will exceed its all-time high of 106.1 percent of GDP,
and unless Congress changes course, it will only continue to
rise.
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CONSEQUENCES OF INACTION
Deficits matter. Economic uncertainty abroad and other
transitory factors have kept interest rates on Federal debt
relatively low, but Washington cannot continue to borrow and
spend with impunity. CBO's recent Budget and Economic Outlook
outlines some of the consequences of leaving growing deficits
and debt unchecked:
Interest payments on the national debt would
increase substantially and consume a greater share of
the Federal budget;
Greater Federal borrowing would crowd out
private investment, resulting in a smaller capital
stock, lower productivity, and reduced wages;
The Federal Government would have less
flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges and
emergencies; and
The likelihood of a sudden fiscal crisis in
the United States would increase.
Despite decades of consensus on the dangers posed by ever-
growing deficits and debt, some in Congress have embraced a
radical fringe theory that suggests overspending does not
matter for countries that can simply print more money, an idea
that former Clinton Treasury Secretary and Obama economic
adviser Lawrence Summers derided as ``fallacious at multiple
levels,'' and that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
called ``just wrong.'' \1,\ \2\ In a recent survey of prominent
economists that included several former Obama Administration
officials and left-leaning academics as well, not a single one
agreed with this line of reasoning. \3\
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\1\ Lawrence H. Summers, ``The Left's Embrace of Modern Monetary
Theory is a Recipe for Disaster,'' Washington Post, March 4, 2019.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-lefts-embrace-of-modern-
monetary-theory-is-a-recipe-for-disaster/2019/03/04/6ad88eec-3ea4-11e9-
9361-301ffb5bd5e6--story.html?utm--term=.a7fd067a02d0
\2\ Jerome H. Powell, testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, February 26, 2019.
\3\ University of Chicago Booth School IGM Forum, ``Modern Monetary
Theory,'' March 13, 2019. http://www.igmchicago.org/surveys/modern-
monetary-theory
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THE CAUSES OF OUR FISCAL CHALLENGES
Our ballooning debt and deficits are the result of
Washington's chronic addiction to spending. For the last 50
years, Federal outlays have averaged 20.3 percent of GDP.
Adjusted for timing shifts, they are expected to grow from 20.8
percent of GDP in 2019 to 23.0 percent in 2029. By 2049, CBO
currently projects annual Federal spending will equal 28.9
percent of GDP, or $19.5 trillion every year.
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The key driver of this growth is mandatory spending
(spending on programs not controlled through the annual
appropriations process). Along with the interest costs the
government incurs from living beyond its means, this autopilot
spending makes up 70 percent of all Federal outlays, up from 36
percent 50 years ago. By 2029, nearly 80 cents of every dollar
the government spends will be on mandatory programs and
interest on the debt.
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Many of the largest mandatory programs are funded entirely
through general revenues, and even those with a dedicated
source of financing usually spend more than they collect in
receipts each year. When such gaps do exist, the difference is
a draw on general revenues and a net contribution to the
Federal deficit. \4\
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\4\ See Table 1-4 in CBO, The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2019 to
2029. https://www.cbo.gov/publication/54918
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Mandatory spending has risen from about 5.5 percent of GDP
in 1969 to 12.7 percent in 2019, and CBO projects it will reach
15.1 percent of GDP by 2029 (adjusted for timing shifts). This
growth reflects a combination of demographic changes, real
benefit increases, expansions in eligibility, and the creation
of new entitlement programs like Obamacare.
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For decades, nonpartisan authorities like CBO and the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) have warned that sharply
rising mandatory spending would drive deficits and debt to
unsustainable levels. \5\ Even when the Federal budget was in
surplus in the late 1990s and early 2000s, these experts
cautioned lawmakers that the projected explosion in such
spending would cause the return of endless Federal borrowing.
In February 2001, the head of GAO testified before the Senate
Budget Committee that ``Without a change in entitlement
programs, demographics will overwhelm the surplus and drive us
back into escalating deficits and debt.'' \6\ Those warnings,
however, went unheeded, and spending on such programs has
skyrocketed as members of the Baby Boom generation become
eligible for benefits at a rate of about 10,000 every day.
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\5\ See for example Congressional Budget Office, The Long-Term
Budget Outlook, October 2000. https://www.cbo.gov/publication/12749
\6\ David M. Walker, testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on
the Budget, February 6, 2001. https://www.gao.gov/new.items/d01385t.pdf
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FISCAL YEAR 2020 SENATE RESOLUTION
The Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution is a 5-year deficit
reduction plan that acknowledges the fiscal realities facing
our country and takes a critical first step toward reining in
the growth of government spending and putting the Federal
budget on a more sustainable fiscal path. This budget does not
presume to solve all of our shared fiscal challenges. Rather,
it is intended to start a gradual process of addressing our
unsustainable deficits and debt.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 RESOLUTION, DEFICITS, AND DEBT
This budget prevents the trillion dollar-plus annual
deficits that are otherwise set to appear starting in 2022 and
instead puts deficits on a downward path, both as a percent of
the economy and in nominal dollars. Unified budget deficits
under the resolution fall to $747.9 billion in fiscal 2024, or
$343.3 billion below CBO baseline levels ($239.4 billion
compared to the Senate Budget Committee (SBC) baseline, which
does not include extrapolated cap-exempt spending and the
associated debt service costs). Over the entire 5-year period,
cumulative deficits are $937.5 billion below CBO baseline
levels and $538.4 billion below SBC baseline levels.
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Measured as a percentage of GDP, unified deficits under the
resolution fall from 4.2 percent in 2019 to their 50-year
historical average of 2.9 percent of GDP in 2024. As a result,
publicly held debt would stabilize at 82.6 percent of GDP by
the end of the projection period rather than continue rising.
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On an on-budget basis, deficits under the resolution will
fall from 4.2 percent in 2019 to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2024. A
significant improvement from the 50-year historical average of
3.5 percent of GDP.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 RESOLUTION MANDATORY SPENDING
The resolution reflects the belief that all committees
should examine their spending portfolios to right-size
programs, curb autopilot spending, and make common-sense
reforms to program finances to ensure accountability for how
taxpayer dollars are spent. Budget resolutions do not
effectuate policy outcomes and are not signed into law.
Instead, they establish enforceable fiscal targets for
Congress's tax and spending committees to reach. As required by
the Congressional Budget Act, spending figures in the
resolution are allocated to individual budget functions, which
are portfolios of similarly purposed accounts, not individual
programs. The Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution would reduce
non-interest mandatory spending by $551 billion over the next 5
years.
The resolution does not make any changes to Social
Security, which is classified as an off-budget account.
The spending targets of this budget are discussed in the
Resolution Levels portion of this report.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 RESOLUTION DISCRETIONARY SPENDING
Since enactment of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA),
Congress has passed a series of 2-year deals to raise the BCA's
discretionary spending caps. The most recent--the Bipartisan
Budget Act of 2018--raised the discretionary limits for fiscal
years 2018 and 2019, creating a $126 billion spending cliff
between fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
The Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution adheres to the BCA
levels for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, as mandated by statute.
In the remaining 3 years of the resolution's window, defense
spending grows by inflation from the ``pre-sequester'' fiscal
year 2021 level and nondefense spending is held constant at the
fiscal year 2021 level. In acknowledgement of the history of
past caps agreements, however, the fiscal year 2020 resolution
provides a mechanism for discretionary spending levels to be
adjusted if an agreement is reached to revise the levels for
fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The resolution calls for this cap
agreement to be fully offset and is mindful of the fact that
with the expiration of the discretionary caps at the end of
Fiscal Year 2021, future budgetary talks could be based off of
projections that are unbound by statutory limits.
In keeping with the approach taken in previous resolutions,
the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution does not make program-
specific discretionary assumptions for spending constrained by
the BCA's caps. The resolution recognizes the Appropriations
Committee's unique sub-allocation process created under the
Congressional Budget Act. The Budget Committee, however,
believes that the Appropriations Committee should be mindful of
programs that have been highlighted by GAO as being
duplicative, overlapping, or fragmented, and also consider
CBO's findings that at least $307 billion in discretionary
funding was provided to programs in fiscal year 2019 that
lacked an authorization of funds.
In addition to discretionary funding constrained by the
statutory limits, the resolution also includes funding for cap
adjustments, as established by the BCA, and other irregular
discretionary spending. The resolution includes 2 years of
funding for wildfire suppression, disaster relief, and overseas
contingency operations (OCO) cap adjustments. The resolution
also fully funds the 21st Century Cures Act, which is not
constrained by the caps but receives special accounting
treatment under its authorizing statute. OCO levels in the
resolution for fiscal years 2020 ($67 billion) and 2021 ($63
billion) are consistent with the ``traditional'' amounts of OCO
requested in the President's budget.
The spending targets of this budget are discussed in the
Resolution Levels portion of this report.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 RESOLUTION REVENUE
The resolution calls for $176 billion in increased revenue
over the next 5 years. The resolution assumes about half of
these receipts could be received as part of an effort to make
the Highway Trust Fund solvent, though policy decisions would
be left up to the Finance Committee. This assumption is based
on an overarching user-pay principle to prevent the need for
additional general fund transfers into the Fund. The resolution
further assumes the remaining revenue changes could be
generated by increasing Federal employee retirement
contributions and increases in receipts stemming from changes
to other mandatory and regulatory programs.
RECONCILIATION, RESERVE FUNDS, AND ENFORCEMENT
The resolution includes numerous provisions that will allow
Congress to start the process of reducing deficits, pass
responsible legislation to fund priorities, and curtail
budgetary gimmicks. Details of these provisions can be found in
the Reconciliation and Enforcement and Reserve Funds portions
of this report.
CONCLUSION
Ignoring our fiscal problems is not a solution. Only by
controlling spending can lawmakers hope to put the country on a
more stable fiscal path and avoid a future of rising debt, high
taxes, and slow growth. The need to put our fiscal house in
order has been acknowledged by both parties, and it is time for
us to work together to put our Nation on a sustainable course.
The Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution is a reasonable first
step in that direction.
RESOLUTION LEVELS
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Budget Function 050: NATIONAL DEFENSE
The National Security function includes funds to develop,
maintain, and equip the military forces of the United States.
Historically, about 95 percent of these funds go to Department
of Defense military activities, with remaining funding
dedicated to atomic energy defense activities within the
Department of Energy and other defense-related activities.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $586.8 billion in budget authority and $620.2 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $576.2
billion, with $609.8 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $10.6 billion in budget authority and $10.4 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $3,250.4
billion, with $3,203.3 billion in outlays, a divergence of
$129.1 billion from baseline levels.
This resolution focuses on improving fiscal stability and
providing a foundation for effective, efficient, and more
predictable defense planning and management. The resolution
allocates as much base Pentagon funding as possible under
current law and includes mechanisms to accommodate an
adjustment of the statutory caps.
This resolution calls on the Pentagon and Congress to work
together to combat wasteful spending, ensure funding aligns
with the goals outlined in the National Defense Strategy, and
remain cognizant of the long-term costs and benefits of various
budgetary decisions. The department should pursue fundamental
reforms in its organization, business operations, work force
management, compensation structure, and information technology
strategy--all of which have been goals of congressional defense
leaders. The current administration has also pledged to
increase efficiency and accountability to better steward
taxpayer dollars, making both Congress and the executive
willing partners in this critical endeavor.
Recently the Senate Armed Services Committee has promoted
reforms, including streamlining the acquisition system;
updating departmental organization for a new era; rationalizing
the Defense Department work force; modernizing the department's
business operations; and overseeing a financial audit of the
department. This resolution is supportive of those efforts to
reform the department and restore taxpayer trust.
Budget Function 150: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
The International Affairs function contains spending on
international humanitarian, development, and security
assistance; the conduct of foreign affairs; foreign information
and exchange activities; and international financial programs.
The funding supports operations at major agencies including the
Departments of State, Treasury, and Agriculture; the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID); and the
Millennium Challenge Corporation.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $48.5 billion in budget authority and $46.3 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $45.1
billion, with $48.2 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $3.5 billion in budget authority and $-2.0 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $240.4
billion, with $227.1 billion in outlays, and no divergence from
baseline levels.
This budget resolution supports the Department of State,
USAID, and other international programs that conduct diplomacy,
promote American values abroad, advance the development of
democratic societies, protect human rights, and improve global
health. The level of funding in the budget resolution is close
to average spending for international affairs in the post-9/11
era.
Bipartisan coalitions and independent analysts agree the
State Department's organizational and management structure
needs revision to refine the department's functions, reduce
duplication, and ensure programs are working toward shared
goals. Regional bureaus, development assistance, public
diplomacy, and U.S. contributions to international
organizations need reevaluation to ensure each program aligns
with U.S. foreign policy goals and performs its mission
efficiently and effectively.
This budget supports the efforts of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee, as the committee of jurisdiction, to
approve a new authorization bill for the department and related
agencies.
Budget Function 250: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Science and Technology function includes the National
Science Foundation, programs other than aviation programs at
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and
general science programs at the Department of Energy.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $35.3 billion in budget authority and $34.4 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $35.1
billion, with $34.2 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $0.2 billion in budget authority and $0.1 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $184.3
billion, with $180.8 billion in outlays, and no divergence from
baseline levels.
This function largely consists of Federal discretionary
spending supporting NASA, the National Science Foundation, and
the Department of Energy's Office of Science's core missions.
As with all areas of Federal spending, programs funded under
this portion of the budget can be improved.
According to GAO, areas for reform include NASA's
acquisition management, which remains on the agency's high-risk
list. In particular, GAO noted the need for NASA to be more
transparent with program costs, implement recommendations
related to the long-term costs of human exploration programs,
and implement the agency's recently updated corrective action
plan. GAO also recommends that NASA, the Department of Energy,
the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National
Science Foundation better coordinate their research activities.
To that end, the interagency working group created by the
American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which was enacted
in January 2017, recently released its first annual report on
better coordination of scientific research, including improved
administration and oversight of agency research grant-making
processes. The interagency working group should focus on
enhancing science and technology program efficiency and
maximizing the benefit of Federal investments. This budget
remains supportive of those efforts and the role of appropriate
Senate committees to review related programs for improvement.
Budget Function 270: ENERGY
The Energy function concerns the production, development,
and use of energy for the country. This function contains
civilian energy programs at agencies including the Departments
of Energy and Agriculture, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $-1.4 billion in budget authority and $2.2 billion in
outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $7.1 billion,
with $6.6 billion in related outlays. Mandatory spending is $-
8.5 billion in budget authority and $-4.3 billion in outlays.
Over 5 years, budget authority totals $15.2 billion, with $14.0
billion in outlays. This marks a divergence of $6.9 billion
from baseline levels.
Federal energy agencies should promote abundant and secure
American energy resources, while supporting the Nation's
financial security and stability. Additionally, taxpayer
investments should be dedicated to key mission areas, including
basic scientific research, energy innovation and cybersecurity,
and nuclear waste and environmental cleanup.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that
next year the United States will become a net exporter of
energy for the first time since 1953. This historic landmark
exemplifies the need to focus on the utilization and promotion
of current energy supplies and assets, rather than picking
winners and losers in energy markets.
This budget supports the work of the committees of
jurisdiction as they consider policies to improve Federal
energy programs. In recent years, programs related to the
commercialization of energy technology have expanded beyond the
Energy Department's mission to serve as a catalyst of basic
research and development. Federal loan and loan-guarantee
programs to subsidize early commercial development of certain
technologies have cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of
dollars when products have proven uncompetitive in the open
market. The resolution allows a renewed focus on the
department's historic strength: early-stage scientific research
and development. Later-stage development, adoption, and
deployment of technologies can return to the private sector.
The budget resolution also supports authorizing committees
as they continue to evaluate opportunities to eliminate
wasteful or duplicative programs in their jurisdiction.
Budget Function 300: NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
The Natural Resources and Environment function focuses on
the management, development, and maintenance of the Nation's
natural heritage. This function includes conservation of land
and water resources; development of water power and
transportation infrastructure; and agencies and resources
associated with the management and regulation of pollution,
public and recreational lands, and natural resources.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $45.2 billion in budget authority and $46.6 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $43.2
billion, with $43.6 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $2.0 billion in budget authority and $3.0 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $229.2
billion, with $231.7 billion in outlays. This marks a
divergence of $5.0 billion from baseline levels.
The Federal Government owns roughly 640 million acres of
land in the United States and manages nearly 2.4 billion acres
of onshore and offshore subsurface minerals, according to the
Congressional Research Service. Much of that land is
disproportionately concentrated in Western States where the
government owns roughly 46.4 percent of land, compared to just
4.2 percent of land in Eastern States. Rural communities across
the West depend on these lands for a variety of purposes
including recreation, conservation, hunting, fishing, grazing,
and timber harvesting.
The agencies tasked with managing these lands, including
the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service, face
unprecedented challenges. The National Park Service's deferred
maintenance backlog totals nearly $12 billion, and
deteriorating infrastructure at some of the Nation's most
iconic sites has hindered visitor experiences and public
access. Our National Forests have become fire-, insect-, and
disease-prone due to a lack of active management, and
catastrophic wildfires now burn an average of 6.9 million
Federal acres annually.
In light of these challenges, the budget resolution
promotes sound stewardship of our Nation's lands and resources
while allowing committees of jurisdiction to pursue
opportunities that achieve savings for taxpayers. The budget
supports efforts by Congress and this administration that have
opened up new lands for energy production and that have reduced
regulatory burdens that discouraged multiple use during the
previous administration. In particular, the budget supports
recent improvement in Federal financing of wildfire suppression
and encourages authorizing committees to continue to review
timber production on Federal lands and forest management
reforms focused on wildfire prevention.
Budget Function 350: AGRICULTURE
The Agriculture function includes the Department of
Agriculture and the Farm Credit Administration, and only deals
with programs concerned with agricultural production.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $17.9 billion in budget authority and $17.7 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $6.7 billion,
with $6.4 billion in related outlays. Mandatory spending is
$11.2 billion in budget authority and $11.3 billion in outlays.
Over 5 years, budget authority totals $99.8 billion, with $96.1
billion in outlays. This marks a divergence of $9.7 billion
from baseline levels.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic
Research Service projects that net farm income will increase by
10 percent this year, net farm incomes remains well below the
historical average from 2000 to 2017. The budget resolution
supports efforts to strengthen rural farm economies and ensure
the farm safety net is working for the average, hardworking
farming operation.
The budget resolution supports the implementation of the
2018 Farm Bill, while also providing opportunities for the
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee to further
streamline programs and identify wasteful, duplicative, or
fraudulent spending. For example, in 2018, GAO reported that
the Federal Government paid $3,708,108 to a single farming
operation that claimed 34 members spread out across 32
corporations and two individuals. When analyzing the fifty
farming operations that received the highest amount of
payments, GAO found these operations received an average of
$884,495 from the Federal Government.
Budget Function 370: COMMERCE AND HOUSING CREDIT
The Commerce and Housing Credit function includes the
regulation and promotion of commerce and certain housing
policies and agencies. Agencies concerned with the economy as a
whole fall under this function. In addition, general-purpose
subsidies and credit subsidies are recorded here.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $11.1 billion in budget authority and $5.2 billion in
outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $-0.9 billion,
with $-0.5 billion in related outlays. Mandatory spending is
$11.9 billion in budget authority and $5.7 billion in outlays.
Over 5 years, budget authority totals $47.5 billion, with $6.8
billion in outlays. This marks a divergence of $41.1 billion
from baseline levels. These figures reflect the combined on-
and off-budget amounts associated with this function.
The budget resolution supports efforts by committees of
jurisdiction to reform a housing system that exposes taxpayer
dollars to undue risk into one that provides productive
support. Under the previous administration, Federal bureaucrats
gained excessive authority over the market, which impeded
private-sector economic growth and job creation. The Federal
Government should retain regulation that reduces systemic risk
and helps to prevent another financial crisis, and remove over-
regulation that places a costly burden on the U.S. economy and
American workers.
In June 2017,GAO noted that absent modernization, ``the
Federal role in housing finance is one of the highest risks
facing the Government.'' Congress has a duty to ensure that any
reform proposals ``protect taxpayers from absorbing avoidable
losses to the maximum extent possible.'' This budget supports
efforts to protect taxpayers by reducing that Federal role and
eliminating any overlap, duplication, and fraud across all
Federal Government programs.
Budget Function 400: TRANSPORTATION
The Transportation function focuses on aid and regulation
for ground transportation, including roads and highways,
railroads, and urban mass transit; air transportation,
including aeronautical research conducted by NASA; and maritime
commerce. The major agencies included in this function are the
Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation
Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal
Transit Administration, and the Maritime Administration; the
Department of Homeland Security, including the Transportation
Security Administration, the United States Coast Guard, and the
Federal Air Marshal Service; and the National Railroad
Passenger Corporation.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $97.8 billion in budget authority and $98.2 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $43.4
billion, with $97.4 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $54.4 billion in budget authority and $0.8 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $495.3
billion, and outlays are $519.4 billion, a divergence of $8.2
billion from baseline levels.
The Federal Government plays an important role in ensuring
the safety and security of America's surface, air, and maritime
transportation and infrastructure systems. To support this
safety mission and promote the efficient movement of people and
commerce, transportation and infrastructure modernization is
critical. A strong national transportation network with 21st
century infrastructure will also reap significant economic
gains, such as increased productivity, faster commute and
delivery times, and more market competition.
Dedicated fees collected from system users finance the
majority of transportation and infrastructure spending. While
this arrangement previously yielded revenue surpluses,
improving fuel economy and other factors have disrupted this
balance. To maintain robust investments in transportation
infrastructure, Congress began supplementing dedicated user
fees with general fund revenues in 2008. This issue will again
be front-and-center as the Fixing America's Surface
Transportation Act expires in 2020. According to CBO, without
changes to current law, balances in the Highway Trust Fund will
be insufficient to cover projected outlays beginning as soon as
2021. To address this challenge, the budget resolution
reasserts the user-pays principle and relies on authorizing
committees to consider options for additional revenue
generation to cover a larger portion of related spending.
The budget resolution does not assume specific reductions
in discretionary spending but does note the Bipartisan Budget
Act of 2018 significantly increased appropriations within this
budget function. Discretionary resources should prioritize
activities that are authorized by current law, maximize user
benefits, and serve the national interest.
Budget Function 450: COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Community and Regional Development function includes
Federal programs to improve community economic conditions,
promote rural development, and assist in Federal preparations
for, and responses to, disasters. This function provides
appropriated funding for the Community Development Block Grant
program, Department of Agriculture rural development programs,
the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, and other disaster mitigation and community
development-related programs. It also provides mandatory
funding for the Federal flood insurance program.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $26.6 billion in budget authority and $28.2 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $26.5
billion, with $28.2 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $0.0 billion in budget authority and $-0.1 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $93.7
billion, with $134.5 billion in outlays, a divergence of $4.8
billion from baseline levels.
This budget supports efforts by committees of jurisdiction
to better target existing Federal grant programs that encourage
overreliance on the Federal Government. In concert with
appropriate local and State efforts, the Federal Government has
the opportunity to improve communities nationwide. The budget
also supports reviewing the fiscal sustainability of Federal
insurance and loan programs.
The budget contains resources for disaster response,
relief, and mitigation activities, and assumes a total of $19
billion in cap-adjusted spending for disasters in fiscal years
2020 and 2021.
Budget Function 500: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, AND SOCIAL
SERVICES
The Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services
function includes funding for the Department of Education, some
social services programs within the Department of Health and
Human Services, and employment and training programs within the
Department of Labor.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $104.6 billion in budget authority and $112.4 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $102.8
billion, with $104.0 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $1.8 billion in budget authority and $8.4 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $553.6
billion, with $552.9 billion in outlays, a divergence of $42.9
billion from baseline levels.
Ensuring all students have access to a quality education
and the knowledge and skills to fill in-demand jobs is
beneficial for the Nation's students, workers, and the economy.
The Federal Government supports education and job training
programs, but all too often inefficiently. GAO routinely
identifies fragmentation, overlap, and duplication within these
programs. For example, GAO recently found that even after a
significant reduction in the number of programs, there remained
163 Federal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
education programs--nearly all of which overlap with at least
one other program. GAO also estimates there are 44 Federal
programs that may be used to support early learning and child
care. This budget supports reforms to reduce fragmentation,
overlap, and duplication across this function to better serve
students, families, and workers.
Postsecondary education has become less affordable in
recent years despite the steady growth in the maximum Federal
Pell Grant award, the implementation of year-round Pell, and
the implementation of multiple new student loan repayment
options. Over the past decade, the Federal student loan program
has become increasingly convoluted while not curbing the
unsustainable higher education tuition increases or student
over-borrowing. To promote access in a fiscally responsible way
and reduce institutional incentives to increase costs of
attendance, the Federal Government should reform the Federal
student loan program to ensure students and their families have
clear and affordable financing options.
In promoting access and self-directed postsecondary
education choices, it is imperative that the information
received from the Federal Government by students and their
families is accurate, timely, and reliable. The budget
resolution supports important steps to ensure that student
borrowers receive crucial and valid information in time to make
important decisions. Providing greater transparency for
students will promote better decisionmaking and set students up
for a successful career instead of saddling them with decades
of debt.
Budget Function 550: HEALTH
The Health function contains spending on a variety of
health care services administered by the Department of Health
and Human Services. Specifically, the function includes health
research overseen by the National Institutes of Health; public
health and safety programs administered by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention; primary health care services
provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration;
health insurance for Federal employees administered by the
Office of Personnel Management; and the regulation of
pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food products conducted
by the Food and Drug Administration. The most significant
drivers of spending in this function are Medicaid and the
exchange subsidies created in the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act--commonly known as Obamacare.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $621.6 billion in budget authority and $595.9 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $72.9
billion, with $70.8 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $548.7 billion in budget authority and $525.0
billion in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals
$3,105.7 billion, and outlays are $3,027.5 billion, a
divergence of $278.5 billion from baseline levels for outlays.
Over the past several decades, Federal health care spending
has skyrocketed. According to CBO, this trend will only
continue, with spending per beneficiary expected to grow even
more rapidly. Health expenditures currently comprise about 30
percent of all Federal spending. Medicaid alone has consumed a
growing share of the Federal budget, eclipsing 10 percent of
noninterest spending in 2017. Over the past 20 years, Federal
expenditures in the program have risen at an average annual
rate of 7 percent. This rapid expansion is due to the rising
cost of health care, expansion of program eligibility and
covered services, and the increasing amount of State spending
qualifying for Federal matching payments. This level of
spending and growth is unsustainable.
In order to address this compounding problem, the budget
resolution relies on the committees of jurisdiction to
implement common-sense reforms. Areas ripe for reform could
include changes to the Federal Employees Health Benefit
Program, providing State flexibility in Medicaid while
protecting vulnerable populations, and making private health
insurance more affordable and accessible while preserving pre-
existing condition protections. Instead of the top-down, heavy-
handed approach taken by Obamacare, the resolution supports the
belief that the American people--not the Federal Government--
should be in control of their own health care. Additionally,
the resolution supports committees' efforts to lower health
care costs and improve the quality of care for all Americans.
Budget Function 570: MEDICARE
The Medicare function includes only the Medicare program,
which provides health insurance to senior citizens and certain
persons with disabilities. Nearly 99 percent of spending in
this function occurs on the mandatory side of the budget, and
almost all of the mandatory spending consists of payments for
Medicare benefits. The balance of spending is discretionary
annual appropriations covering the cost of administering and
monitoring the Medicare program.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $682.6 billion in budget authority and $682.4 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $7.2 billion,
with $7.3 billion in related outlays. Mandatory spending is
$675.4 billion in budget authority and $675.1 billion in
outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $3,881.4
billion, with $3,879.9 billion in outlays, a divergence of
$77.2 billion from baseline levels.
Medicare spending is currently on an unsustainable course.
Over the next decade, Medicare outlays are expected to increase
an average of 7 percent annually. Excluding timing shifts, CBO
projects that Medicare spending will more than double from $768
billion in 2019 to $1,580 billion in 2029, mostly due to
increased health care costs and growing enrollment in the
program. According to the Medicare Trustees, without
intervening action from Congress, Medicare's Hospital Insurance
trust fund will become insolvent by 2026--three years earlier
than predicted in last year's report.
The budget resolution allows the Senate Finance Committee
to determine policies that would slow the rate of growth in
Medicare in order to reduce health care costs for seniors and
extend the life of the trust fund in the near term. Long-term
solutions will be necessary to ensure that American seniors can
continue to rely on this vital health program in the future.
Budget Function 600: INCOME SECURITY
The Income Security function covers a range of income
security programs that provide cash or near-cash assistance to
low-income persons and benefits to certain retirees, persons
with disabilities, and the unemployed.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $533.2 billion in budget authority and $524.8 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $74.8
billion, with $73.8 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $458.4 billion in budget authority and $451.1
billion in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals
$2,818.0 billion, with $2,781.4 billion in outlays, a
divergence of $33.2 billion from baseline levels.
While the economy is almost 10 years into an expansion,
spending and enrollment for many low-income programs in this
function remain above pre-recession levels. Much of this
increase is attributable to expanded eligibility rules that
have extended safety net benefits to persons with incomes well
above the poverty line. CBO estimates that less than half of
all means-tested transfers went to households in the bottom
fifth of the income distribution in 2015.
Many of these programs also create work disincentives that
keep recipients on the sidelines, even when the labor market is
strong. The Department of Agriculture reports that of the 3.8
million able-bodied adults without dependents enrolled in the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 2016, nearly
three-quarters were not working. Additionally, multiple reports
by GAO have shown that the Federal Government's array of income
security programs is fragmented and overly complex, confusing
those trying to navigate the safety net and increasing
administrative costs. Program integrity also remains a
challenge, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
designated several of the programs in this function as high-
priority because of their high improper payments.
The budget resolution supports strengthening and improving
the programs in this function in a manner that preserves the
safety net for vulnerable populations. This budget encourages
authorizing committees to improve the targeting of benefits,
strengthen work requirements, and reduce overlap, duplication,
and fraud.
Regarding Federal retirement programs, this budget
prioritizes fiscal sustainability. The Federal employee benefit
system should be reformed to ensure fairness to both recipients
and taxpayers.
Budget Function 650: SOCIAL SECURITY
The Social Security function consists of the payroll-tax-
financed programs collectively known as Social Security: Old-
Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance. These
programs provide monthly cash benefits to approximately 61
million retired and disabled workers and their spouses,
dependents, and survivors. This function includes both benefit
payments and funds to administer the programs and ensure
program integrity.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $1,113.3 billion in budget authority and $1,107.5
billion in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $5.9
billion, with $5.8 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $1,107.4 billion in budget authority and $1,101.7
billion in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals
$6,307.0 billion, with $6,274.4 billion in outlays, unchanged
from baseline levels. These figures reflect the combined on-and
off-budget amounts associated with this function.
Under provisions of the Congressional Budget Act and the
Budget Enforcement Act, the Social Security trust funds are
considered off-budget and do not appear in the budget
resolution totals. The general fund transfer of income taxes on
Social Security benefits to the trust funds is the only notable
portion of function 650 considered on-budget.
This budget resolution respects the off-budget status of
the Social Security trust funds and assumes no policy changes
in this function. The budget supports the bipartisan efforts by
the Finance Committee to confront the challenges facing Social
Security.
Budget Function 700: VETERANS BENEFITS AND SERVICES
The Veterans Benefits and Services function includes health
administration and health services for veterans (majority of
the discretionary spending), their pensions and disability
compensation (majority of the mandatory spending), and other
services our Nation provides to veterans.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $211.2 billion in budget authority and $209.9 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $92.2
billion, with $87.9 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $119.0 billion in budget authority and $122.0
billion in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals
$1,125.3 billion, with $1,113.6 trillion in outlays, a
divergence of $2.6 billion from baseline levels.
The budget resolution supports protecting the longevity and
integrity of programs providing America's veterans with the
care and resources they were promised and earned. It aligns
with the work of the committees of jurisdiction as they
consider common-sense proposals to find savings that improve
program health and ensure benefits are delivered in a manner
that upholds fidelity to veterans and taxpayers alike.
With the passage of major legislation in the areas of
community care, caregivers, appeals processing, and education
benefits, authorizing committees should focus on reform
implementation and prompt delivery of services to eligible
veterans, as well as adopting technological improvements and
devising and executing an achievable information technology
improvement strategy. The Department of Veterans Affairs should
also continue to increase service and efficiency for veterans
and facilitate improved management of Federal real property
assets and vigilance in human-capital management.
Budget Function 750: ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
The Administration of Justice function includes programs to
ensure civil rights protections and provide judicial services,
police protection, law enforcement, rehabilitation and
incarceration of criminals, and the general maintenance of
domestic order.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $71.3 billion in budget authority and $65.8 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $62.8
billion, with $61.3 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $8.6 billion in budget authority and $4.5 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $346.0
billion, with $351.2 billion in outlays, a divergence of $6.3
billion from baseline levels.
The Federal Government has the responsibility to maintain
domestic order and help ensure the safest possible communities
for all Americans. To achieve a proper balance between ensuring
safe communities and being responsible stewards of taxpayer
money, the budget resolution supports the work of the
appropriate committees and recognizes areas for reform. GAO has
identified several areas in which the Department of Justice
(DOJ) can improve, such as clarifying guidance and
communications, and more efficiently using data. Inspectors
General have also recommended changes, such as improving DOJ
grant management to States and localities, and improving
staffing models within the Department of Homeland Security.
This budget appreciates the amount of resources needed to
ensure safe communities, while recognizing that the Departments
of Justice and Homeland Security can improve their efficiency
and productivity.
Budget Function 800: GENERAL GOVERNMENT
The General Government function includes the activities of
the White House and the Executive Office of the President, the
legislative branch, and programs to carry out the
administrative responsibilities of the Federal Government,
including personnel management, fiscal operations, and property
control.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $25.5 billion in budget authority and $25.2 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $18.2
billion, with $18.0 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $7.2 billion in budget authority and $7.2 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $134.1
billion, with $132 billion in outlays, consistent with baseline
levels.
This function encompasses many of the programs and
activities that constitute the core operational
responsibilities of the Federal Government, including salaries,
expenses, and capital improvements. The resolution supports
efforts of committees of jurisdiction to enhance accountability
and oversight of Federal employment and operational
expenditures. Both the executive and legislative branches
should lead by example, offering efficiencies that maximize
taxpayer dollars and improve operational integrity.
Budget Function 900: NET INTEREST
The Net Interest function contains the interest paid to
private and foreign government holders of U.S. Treasury
securities. This function includes interest on the public debt
less the interest received by the Federal Government from trust
fund investments and loans to the public. It contains mandatory
payments, with no discretionary components.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $459.0 billion in budget authority and $459.0 billion
in outlays, all of which is mandatory. Over 5 years, budget
authority totals $2,829.6 billion, with $2,829.6 billion in
outlays, a divergence of $23.9 billion from baseline levels.
Outlays in this function respond entirely to the changes in
annual total budget deficits and borrowing from the public to
meet or pay those deficits. The changes in spending and revenue
levels described elsewhere in this budget account for all
changes in net interest outlays.
Budget Function 920: ALLOWANCES
The Allowances function displays the budgetary effects of
proposals that cannot be easily distributed across other budget
functions.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $-90.2 billion in budget authority and $-50.0 billion
in outlays. Discretionary budget authority totals $-86.0
billion, with $-48.3 billion in related outlays. Mandatory
spending is $-4.1 billion in budget authority and $-1.7 billion
in outlays. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $-592.2
billion, with $-469.7 billion in outlays, a divergence of $86.2
billion from baseline levels.
Spending levels in the Allowances function reflect policy
assumptions that have an impact across Federal agencies or are
not easily distributed across budget functions. This is a
similar approach used by CBO in its budget projections. This
includes changes to the nondefense discretionary topline to
better reflect the operation and realities of the congressional
budget and appropriations process.
Budget Function 950: UNDISTRIBUTED OFFSETTING RECEIPTS
The Undistributed Offsetting Receipts function comprises
major offsetting receipts items that would distort the funding
levels of other functional categories if they were distributed
to them.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $-103.7 billion in budget authority and $-103.7
billion in outlays, all of which is mandatory spending. Over 5
years, budget authority totals $-543.9 billion, with $-543.9
billion in outlays, unchanged from baseline levels. These
figures reflect the combined on-and off-budget amounts
associated with this function. The budget resolution assumes no
policy changes in this function.
Budget Function 970: OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS
This function includes funding for overseas contingency
operations, the global war on terrorism, and related
activities.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $67.0 billion in total budget authority and $36.9
billion in total outlays. All spending in this function is
discretionary. Over 5 years, budget authority totals $130.0
billion, with $125.8 billion in outlays. The baseline used to
construct this resolution does not include an extrapolation of
war costs.
Besides the regular budget authority for national defense,
the budget resolution includes $67.0 billion OCO funding for
fiscal year 2020 and $63 billion for fiscal year 2021.
Revenues
Federal revenues are comprised of taxes and other
collections from the public that result from the government's
sovereign powers to impose levies under Article I, section 8,
clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. Federal revenues include
individual and corporate incomes taxes, social insurance taxes,
excise taxes, estate and gift taxes, customs duties, and
miscellaneous receipts.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE-REPORTED RESOLUTION
The Committee-reported fiscal year 2020 budget resolution
calls for $3,702.0 billion in revenues ($2,761.6 billion on-
budget, $940.4 billion off-budget). Over 5 years, revenues
total $20,371.4 billion ($15,284.7 on-budget, $5,086.8 off-
budget), a divergence of $176.5 billion (on-budget) from
baseline levels.
While the budget resolution firmly rejects the notion that
any effort to control government spending must be ``balanced''
with tax increases, it does support measures to recoup Federal
costs and other good-government reforms that would result in
higher receipts to the Federal Government. None of these
increases should come from changes that in any way undermine
the pro-growth impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act or diminish
the law's tax relief for hardworking American families.
The budget resolution assumes approximately half of the
increase in receipts could be generated as part of an effort to
ensure the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. While specific
decisions would be left to the committees of jurisdiction, the
budget assumes any change will restore the longstanding user-
pays principle and prevent the need for additional general fund
transfers. The budget also supports reform of the retirement
system for Federal civilian employees, including Members of
Congress. Doing so would reduce the Federal Government's net
personnel costs and help bring public sector benefits more in
line with the private sector. Finally, the budget resolution
assumes authorizing committees will pursue additional reforms
to mandatory programs and regulations that have the effect of
increasing Federal receipts.
RECONCILIATION AND ENFORCEMENT
----------
The budget blueprint calls for serious yet achievable steps
toward putting America on a sustainable fiscal path. As part of
this overall vision, the resolution includes reconciliation
instructions for deficit reduction and important budget
enforcement tools to bring Federal spending and revenues in
line with the levels reported.
Reconciliation
This title instructs five Senate committees to report
reconciliation legislation that would produce combined deficit
reduction of at least $94 billion over the next 5 years.
Instructions are provided to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry for $9 billion; the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for $10 billion; the
Committee on Finance for $50 billion; the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions for $10 billion; and the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for $15
billion.
Enforcement
Updates Advance Appropriations.--This section updates, for
fiscal years 2021 and 2022, an existing point of order against
appropriations legislation that would provide an advance
appropriation for a discretionary account. This point of order
is extended regularly in budget resolutions, and provides an
exception for programs or activities identified in the
manager's Joint Explanatory Statement (mostly education and
housing assistance), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting,
and several accounts at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Amends CHIMPS Points of Order.--The resolution amends the
point of order against changes in mandatory programs (CHIMPS)
that was included in the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution.
The fiscal year 2020 resolution changes the total amount of
allowable CHIMPS from $15 billion to $0 for fiscal year 2020
and each year thereafter. Additionally, rescissions measures
considered under the Impoundment and Control Act are exempt
from this point of order.
Reactivates Dynamic Scoring Authority.--The resolution
directs CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation to incorporate
the budgetary effects of macroeconomic variables when each
produces estimates of major legislation. These estimates will
be used for informational purposes only. These more accurate
assessments will help guide the Senate in its work both as a
legislative body and financial steward of the United States.
Adjustment Authority for Discretionary Cap Deal.--If a
measure becomes law that amends the discretionary limits
established under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985, as amended, this section allows the
Chairman of the Budget Committee to adjust budgetary levels
consistent with such measure.
Reinstates Point of Order Against Certain Surface
Transportation Funding.--The resolution reinstates the point of
order against consideration of legislation that extends the
authority of or reauthorizes surface transportation programs if
the legislation appropriates budget authority from sources
other than the Highway Trust Fund.
Creates Directed Scorekeeping Point of Order.--The
resolution creates a point of order against legislation that
directs the budgetary treatment of such measure unless the
legislation has been reported by the Budget Committee. This
includes legislation directing the congressional estimating
process, directing changes in concepts and definitions under
section 251(b) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985, or reclassifying the budgetary treatment
of funding. This point of order is determined by the Chairman
of the Budget Committee.
Re-establishes Overseas Contingency Operations Designation
Point of Order.--The resolution creates a point of order
against an OCO designation. If the point of order is sustained,
the offending provision is stricken but the remainder of the
text remains pending.
Establishes the Budgetary Treatment of Discretionary
Administrative Expenses.--The resolution requires that the
Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the conference report
on the budget resolution include amounts for the discretionary
administrative expenses of the Social Security Administration
and the United States Postal Service. These amounts are subject
to the discretionary spending caps, which are accounted for in
the allocation to the Appropriations Committee.
Allows for Changes in Allocations and Aggregates.--This
section provides three necessary provisions relating to the
timing and mechanics of budget enforcement. First, if any
adjustments are made pursuant to a reserve fund or other
directive, the adjustments will apply while a measure is under
consideration, take effect once the measure is enacted, and be
published in the Congressional Record. Second, any revisions to
allocations and aggregates will be considered as if they were
contained in this budget resolution. Third, Budget Committee
estimates will serve as the basis for determining new levels of
budget authority, outlays, direct spending, new entitlement
authority, revenues, deficits, and surpluses.
Allows for Changes in Concepts and Definitions.--If
Congress were to enact a bill or joint resolution that changes
a concept or definition, the resolution would provide the
Chairman of the Budget Committee the authority to change levels
and allocations in the resolution accordingly.
Exercises in Rulemaking Power.--This section provides that
the Senate has the constitutional authority to adopt the rules
of this resolution, and the adopted rules shall be treated as
Senate rules. Further, these rules supersede any prior,
inconsistent rules.
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ECONOMICS
----------
Table 1 below shows the assumed levels and rates of change
for key economic variables that constitute the economic
assumptions of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget resolution. The
Budget Committee adopted CBO's economic forecast as published
in its January 2019 report, The Budget and Economic Outlook:
2019 to 2029, to maintain consistency with the budgetary
projections and assumptions used in the budget.
CBO's economic projections are based on current law and do
not account for the economic impact of the budget resolution's
assumed policies and deficit reduction. To the extent that
CBO's economic forecast does not incorporate these effects and
may underestimate the positive effects of already-enacted
changes in tax and regulatory policy, the projected deficits
and debt levels in the resolution are to be viewed as
conservative estimates.
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The unemployment rate averaged 3.9 percent in 2018 and
stood at 3.8 percent in February 2019. Non farm payroll
employment increased by an average of 215,000 jobs per month
between January 2018 and February 2019. Despite significant
downward pressure from demographics, the labor force
participation rate rose 0.5 percentage points between January
2018 and February 2019 thanks to a strong economy that is
pulling people off of the sidelines.
Wage growth has accelerated, supported by a strong labor
market and uptick in labor productivity growth. The Employment
Cost Index for private industry wages and salaries rose by 3.1
percent in 2018, the largest increase in over a decade, and CBO
projects even higher wage growth in the years ahead.
Importantly, these gains are being felt by all Americans. Wages
have risen fastest for lower-wage workers and in lower-wage
industries, and several groups historically at higher risk of
unemployment, such as African Americans, people with
disabilities, and those without a high school diploma, saw
record low unemployment rates in 2018.
Contrary to predictions that the recently enacted tax cuts
would cause the economy to overheat, consumer price inflation
has remained near or below the Federal Reserve's 2.0 percent
target, ensuring nominal wage gains have more than kept pace
with increases in the cost of living. The year-over-year change
in the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the core
personal consumption expenditure price index, was 1.9 percent,
translating to high real wage growth.
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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The significant improvement in U.S. economic performance is
primarily driven by a shift in pro-growth policies. In
particular, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has played a
vital role in strengthening the economy. The fiscal year Senate
budget resolution uses CBO's economic assumptions, which
incorporate CBO's estimate of the TCJA's economic effects. CBO
projects the law will raise real GDP by an average of 0.7
percent over the 2018-2028 period and by approximately 0.9
percent over the 2020-2024 window covered by the budget
resolution. Other analysts have estimated even larger effects.
Claims that the economic benefits of the TCJA reflect only
a temporary ``sugar high'' that will end with the economy
overheating or entering a recession are not supported by recent
experience or CBO's analysis of the law's effects. CBO
generally estimates increases in government spending boosts
output in the near term through demand-side ``stimulus,'' but
lowers output long-term. However, in estimating the effects of
the TCJA, the agency estimates increased output in every year
of its forecast.
CBO estimates the TCJA not only provides an immediate boost
to economic activity by increasing Americans' take-home pay, it
also increases the economy's long-term productive capacity by
improving incentives. The law's reduction in marginal income
tax rates and repeal of the individual mandate increase
incentives to work and expand the labor supply. Further, the
reduction in the corporate income tax rate, temporary expensing
for capital expenditures, pass-through business deduction,
reforms to international taxation, and other provisions,
improve incentives for domestic investment and grow the capital
stock, resulting in lasting increases in productivity and
wages. Separate CBO analysis shows the TCJA also improved the
uniformity of the tax code, which should lead to a more
efficient allocation of capital.
CBO makes it clear in its January 2019 Budget and Economic
Outlook that ``the 2017 tax act will continue to have
appreciable effects on the U.S. economy over the next decade.''
CBO estimates the increase in real GDP due to the TCJA will
grow from 0.3 percent in 2018 to 0.6 percent in 2019. By 2024,
the last year covered by the budget resolution, CBO estimates
both actual and potential output will be 0.9 percent higher
than they otherwise would have been.
While the early results of TCJA have been very encouraging,
it will take time for workers and businesses to adjust to the
law's changes and for all of its economic benefits to be fully
realized. Over time, however, the additional investment spurred
by the law's reduction in the cost of capital will build the
capital stock and lead to higher productivity, output,
employment, and wages.
Maintaining Economic Prosperity
The economy is strong and economic fundamentals are solid,
but there are some clouds on the horizon that could pose a risk
to sustained prosperity.
Economic conditions among major U.S. trading partners are
much less favorable than they are in the United States and
could potentially pose as a headwind to the U.S. economy.
Growth slowed markedly in the Euro area and in China during
2018, and it is projected to weaken further in 2019, reducing
demand for U.S. exports and adding to financial market
volatility.
Even with the economic benefits of tax and regulatory
reform, CBO's current-law economic forecast assumes that the
aging of the population, the possible continuation of the
productivity slowdown, and the negative effects of Federal
overspending and unsustainable debt will pose a challenge to
supply side growth in the coming years. Additional policy
changes--such as those assumed in this budget--that encourage
greater labor force participation, increase capital investment
and dynamism, and put spending and debt under control, will be
critical to maintaining sustained growth.
Just as the adoption of pro-growth policies is the primary
reason for the economy's recent improvement, the greatest
threat to continued prosperity is a possible shift toward
policies that radically expand the size and scope of the
Federal Government and impose new burdens on individuals and
businesses. Proposals to raise taxes on work and investment,
impose crippling regulations on America's energy sector, and to
nationalize or abolish entire industries would have
catastrophic effects on the economy.
RESERVE FUNDS
----------
The Budget Committee does not have the authority to make
policy recommendations in a budget resolution--that is the role
of the authorizing committees. Committees often make their
policy priorities known in their views and estimates letters,
and reserve funds are a way to accommodate those requests.
Reserve funds allow the Chairman of the Budget Committee to
revise the committee allocations, budgetary aggregates, and
other appropriate levels in the budget resolution to
accommodate legislation described in the reserve fund--as long
as the budgetary effects of that legislation satisfy the
requirements enumerated. The budget resolution includes
deficit-neutral reserve funds that relate to the following:
--Modifying the Budget Control Act caps.
--Promoting American energy and natural resources.
--Public lands and the environment.
--American agriculture.
--Strengthening American families--including addressing the
opioid and substance abuse crisis; improving child and maternal
health; making child and dependent care more affordable and
useful; child nutrition programs; or foster care, marriage, and
fatherhood programs.
--Strengthening American communities--including reforming
the American public housing system; combating violent crime;
protecting and assisting survivors of domestic abuse; ensuring
long-term, stable access to funding for victims of violent
crime; or reforming the criminal justice system.
--Promoting innovation in education.
--Promoting economic growth and prosperity for American
workers--including reducing the costs to businesses and
individuals stemming from Federal regulations; streamlining and
enhancing outcomes from Federal work force development, job
training, and reemployment programs; increasing job creation,
commerce, and economic growth; increasing exports from the
United States; supporting robust intellectual property
protections; or changes in Federal tax laws that extend the
provisions of Public Law 115-97.
--Promoting economic opportunity and self-sufficiency.
--Federal banking, insurance, and housing finance programs.
--Improving tax administration.
--Improving Americans' health care options--including
repealing and replacing Obamacare and preserving preexisting
condition protections; increasing health care options for
individuals; lowering health care costs for American families,
such as reducing prescription drug costs; encouraging State
flexibility and innovation; improving consumers' access to
care; or investing in public health.
--Protecting Medicaid and Medicare.
--Restoring American military power.
--Improving cybersecurity.
--Veterans and service members.
--Border security and immigration.
--American transportation and infrastructure.
--Promoting financial security.
--Preventing taxpayer bailouts of pension plans.
--Efficiencies, consolidations, curbing budgetary gimmicks,
and other savings.
--Modifying statutory budget controls relating to the scope
of sequestration.
--Reducing fraud in taxpayer-funded government assistance
programs.
--Federal compensation.
--Pre-existing conditions protections.
--Improving coordination and Federal Government disaster
response and mitigation.
--Providing continued tax relief for family-owned
businesses, farms, and ranches.
--Supporting reviews of extreme weather threats to the
Department of Defense's installations.
--Improving the affordability of rental housing.
--Improving Federal flood controls.
--Clean audit opinions at the Department of Defense.
--Continuing middle-class tax relief.
--Supporting servicemembers' access to safe housing.
--Providing the Department of Homeland Security with
resources to protect children and families.
--Reducing prescription drug costs.
--Program integrity funding for targeted denial reviews.
SUMMARY TABLES
----------
Page
Table 1. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution, as Reported, Total
Spending and Revenues.......................................... 38
Table 2. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution, as Reported,
Spending by Function, Discretionary, Mandatory................. 40
Table 3. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution On-Budget Summary.... 43
Table 4. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution Unified Budget
Summary........................................................ 44
Table 5. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution Crosswalk From CBO
January 2019 Baseline to SBC Baseline to Resolution Levels..... 45
Table 6. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution Components of Policy
Change......................................................... 46
Table 7. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution Components of
Mandatory Costs Savings (Outlays).............................. 47
Table 8. Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Resolution Discretionary Budget
Authority...................................................... 48
Table 9. Allocation of Spending Authority to Senate Committee on
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2020............................ 49
Table 10. Allocation of Spending Authority to Senate Committees
Other Than Appropriations...................................... 50
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
COMMITTEE VOTES
----------
On March 22, 2019, the ``Chairman's Mark'' for the fiscal
year 2020 budget resolution was provided to Budget Committee
Member offices.
On March 27, 2019, the Committee met to commence the markup
of the resolution and hear opening statements from Members.
On March 28, 2019, the following votes were taken during
the Committee markup of the fiscal year 2020 budget resolution:
1. An amendment offered by Senator Sanders relating to
Public Law 115-97 provisions that benefit the top 1 percent.
The amendment was not agreed to by a voice vote.
2. An amendment offered by Senators Toomey and Crapo
relating to ensuring long-term, stable access to compensation
and assistance for victims of crime.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
3. An amendment offered by Senator Sanders to increase
revenue by $358.0 billion and increase outlays in the health
function (550) by $280.8 billion and the Medicare function
(570) by $77.2 billion.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 7
ayes and 10 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. An amendment offered by Senator Kennedy relating to
reducing fraud in taxpayer-funded Government assistance
programs.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote. Senators
Sanders, Murray, and Harris were recorded as noes.
5. An amendment offered by Senator Wyden to strike the
reconciliation instructions to the Senate Committee on Finance.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. An amendment offered by Senators Braun and Scott to
establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to Federal
compensation, including the possibility of allowing elected
officials to voluntarily reduce their pensions.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote. Senators
Sanders, Murray, Wyden, Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, and Harris
were recorded as noes.
7. An amendment offered by Senator Kaine to modify a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to border security and
immigration, which may not include any funds transferred from
military accounts.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. An amendment offered by Senators Scott, Braun, and
Kennedy to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to
pre-existing condition protections.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
9. An amendment offered by Senator Stabenow to strike the
reconciliation instructions to the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. An amendment offered by Senator Cramer to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund to protect and preserve risk
management programs for American farmers.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 10
ayes and 10 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. An amendment offered by Senator Scott to modify a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to public lands to
include restoring the Everglades.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
12. An amendment offered by Senators Whitehouse and Perdue
to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to reform the
congressional budget process.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
13. An amendment offered by Senators Kaine, Warner, and Van
Hollen to strike the reconciliation instructions to the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. An amendment offered by Senator Grassley to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to changes in disaster
management and mitigation laws.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
15. An amendment offered by Senator Van Hollen relating to
increasing the estate tax and decreasing taxes on families
earning less than $200,000.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. An amendment offered by Senator Grassley to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund to provide continued tax relief
for family-owned business, farms, and ranches.
The amendment was agreed to by a roll call vote of 11 ayes
and 9 noes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. An amendment offered by Senators Merkley, Warner, and
Kaine to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to
supporting programs to analyze the threats to installations of
the Department of Defense due to extreme storms, wildfire,
droughts, rising sea level, and other conditions.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
18. An amendment offered by Senator Harris to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to improving the
affordability of rental housing for low-income families.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
19. An amendment offered by Senator Grassley to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to changes in Federal
flood control efforts and river management laws.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
20. An amendment offered by Senator Murray to modify
section 4104 providing adjustment authority if such measure
provides equal adjustments to the revised security and revised
nonsecurity categories.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. An amendment offered by Senator Sanders to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to a clean audit opinion
at the Department of Defense.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
22. An amendment offered by Senator Murray to strike the
reconciliation instructions to the Senate Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. An amendment offered by Senator Wyden to modify a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to promoting economic
growth to include as part of Federal tax reform, providing a
tax cut to working families and the middle class while making
sure that the top 1 percent and multinational corporations pay
their fair share.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 9
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. An amendment offered by Senator Grassley to modify a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to promoting economic
growth to include as part of Federal tax reform, providing
continued tax relief to working families and the middle class.
The amendment was agreed to by a roll call vote of 11 ayes
and 8 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. An amendment offered by Senator Harris to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing middle class
tax relief, including by extending and expanding refundable tax
credits.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 8
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. An amendment offered by Senator Grassley to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to changes in Federal tax
laws, which may include continued tax relief to working
families and the middle class.
The amendment was agreed to by a roll call vote of 11 ayes
and 8 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. An amendment offered by Senators Warner, Kaine, and
Harris to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to
addressing health, safety, and environmental hazards for
tenants of military barracks or military family housing.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
28. An amendment offered by Senators Warner, Kaine, and Van
Hollen to prohibit the use of Federal civilian employees'
contributions as an offset.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 8
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. An amendment offered by Senator Merkley to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to a prohibition on the
use of funds for internment camps for migrant children and
families or unlicensed and unregulated jails for children.
The amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 8
ayes and 11 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. An amendment offered by Senator Johnson to establish a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing the
Department of Homeland Security with the necessary resources to
protect migrant children and families.
The amendment was agreed to by a roll call vote of 11 ayes
and 9 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. An amendment offered by Senator Van Hollen to establish
a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to reducing
prescription drug costs for Americans.
The amendment was agreed to by a roll call vote of 14 ayes
and 6 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. An amendment offered by Senators Wyden and Grassley to
establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to the
addition of Target Denial Reviews in the allowable activities
in Section 815 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
33. An amendment offered by Senator Grassley to modify a
deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to strengthening
Americans families to include providing transitional supports
to States implementing the Family First Prevention Services
Act.
The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
Following the voice vote on the Wyden and Grassley
amendments, Senator Enzi made a motion to report the
resolution. The motion was agreed to and the resolution
reported by a roll call vote of 11 ayes and 9 noes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Answer Name & Answer
State Aye No Present State Aye No Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENZI (WY) X SANDERS X
(Chairma (VT)
n) (Ranking
)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRASSLEY X MURRAY X
(IA) (WA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAPO X WYDEN X
(ID) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAHAM X STABENOW
(SC) (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY X WHITEHOUS X
(PA) E (RI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHNSON X WARNER X
(WI) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERDUE X MERKLEY X
(GA) (OR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAUN X KAINE X
(IN) (VA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT X VAN X
(FL) HOLLEN
(MD)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNEDY X HARRIS X
(LA) (CA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRAMER X
(ND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
----------
The Views and Estimates for fiscal year 2020 received from
the various committees follow:
Page
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry............................. 64
Appropriations................................................... 67
Armed Services................................................... 69
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.............................. 72
Commerce, Science, and Transportation............................ 80
Energy and Natural Resources..................................... 106
Environment and Public Works..................................... 108
Finance.......................................................... 121
Foreign Relations................................................ 133
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions........................... 141
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs....................... 178
Indian Affairs................................................... 199
Judiciary........................................................ 214
Rules and Administration......................................... 229
Small Business and Entrepreneurship.............................. 232
Veterans' Affairs................................................ 251
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
ADDITIONAL AND MINORITY VIEWS
----------
Statement of Ranking Member Bernard Sanders of the Budget
Mr. Chairman, let me begin by thanking you for doing what
no other previous Budget Committee Chairman has done: For the
second time in a row, you and your staff have released your
Budget Resolution 5 days prior to our mark-up. And I appreciate
that very much.
But Mr. Chairman, that's the end of my compliments. The sad
truth is that the budget you released on Friday, and the Trump
budget that was released a couple of weeks ago, would be an
absolute disaster for the American people.
What is remarkable about the Senate Republican Budget, as
well as President Trump's budget, is that it does exactly the
opposite of what the American people want. At a time of massive
income and wealth inequality, when the three wealthiest
families own more wealth than the bottom half of the American
people, when the top 1 percent owns more wealth than the bottom
92 percent, when 46 percent of all new income is going to the
top 1 percent, the American people want a budget whose
priorities reflect the needs of ordinary Americans--not just
those on the top.
But, unfortunately, the Republican budget does just that.
This is a budget that moves our country rapidly into the
direction of oligarchy. It constitutes a massive transfer of
wealth from the working class to the billionaire class.
It is the Robin Hood principle in reverse. It takes from
those in need and gives to the wealthiest people in America--
those who are doing phenomenally well and have never had it so
good.
Mr. Chairman, I frankly do not understand why Republicans
seem to have such a hatred toward providing health care to the
American people. Today, in America, 34 million Americans have
no health insurance, and even more, are under-insured with high
deductibles and co-payments, and one out of five Americans
cannot afford the outrageously high prices that the
pharmaceutical industry charges us for prescription drugs.
There are estimates that over 30,000 of our fellow
Americans die every single year because they don't get to a
doctor when they should because they are uninsured. We are the
only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care
to all of our people.
Given that reality, why in God's name would you want to do
the same thing that Trump's budget does which is to try and
repeal the Affordable Care Act, throw 32 million Americans off
of the health insurance they have, take away health insurance
coverage from Americans 26 years of age and younger who are on
their parents health insurance plans, end the subsidies low and
middle-income Americans receive through the health insurance
exchanges, substantially increase premiums for older workers,
and raise prescription drug prices for senior citizens. Why do
you want to do all of that? Why do you want to cause so much
pain for the American people? I honestly don't get it.
Further, and importantly, when you propose to end the
Affordable Care Act, you are eliminating protections for pre
existing conditions. That means that if someone has diabetes,
asthma, heart disease, cancer and tries to get private health
insurance, what the Republicans are proposing will either
greatly increase their premiums or make it virtually impossible
for them to get any health insurance at all.
You tell me how much would a private health insurance
company charge a 55-year old man or woman in the midst of
cancer treatment which involves chemotherapy and radiation?
And you tell me, Mr. Chairman how many working class
families will simply not be able to pay that cost and how many
people will die as a result.
Over and over again, during his campaign for president,
Donald Trump promised the American people that he would not cut
Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security.
On May 7, 2015, Trump tweeted: ``I was the first & only
potential GOP candidate to State there will be no cuts to
Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid.''
On August 10, 2015, Trump said: ``[I will] save Medicare,
Medicaid and Social Security without cuts.
[We] have to do it . . . People have been paying in for
years, and now many of these candidates want to cut it.''
That's what Trump said during his campaign. Unfortunately,
he lied--as he often does. His budget proposes a $1.5 trillion
cut to Medicaid, $845 billion cut to Medicare and a $25 billion
cut to
Social Security. The Republican Senate budget does not go
as far as Trump did in his disastrous budget, but it would also
cause incalculable harm to tens of millions of Americans.
Like Trump, the Republicans eliminate the Affordable Care
Act with all of the horrible ramifications that that would
bring about.
In addition, they would cut Medicaid by $223 billion over 5
years--not 10 years. They would cut Medicare by $77 billion
over the next 5 years--not 10 years.
In America today, Medicaid pays for more than two-thirds of
all of the nursing home care in our country. What happens to
senior citizens with Alzheimer's and other serious illnesses
who have their nursing home coverage paid for by Medicaid, if
that program is cut by hundreds of billions of dollars?
And it's not just seniors. Today, Medicaid covers millions
of children with special needs. We are the only major country
on Earth not to guarantee health care to all people, and this
budget would then throw tens of thousands of children with
special needs off of the health insurance they have. We have an
opioid epidemic from one end of this country to the next. But
when you cut Medicaid, you make it much harder for communities,
cities, and States to deal with this terrible crisis.
Further, just like Trump's budget, the Republican Senate
budget that will make it harder for our children to get a
decent education, harder to protect the air that we breathe and
water we drink, and harder for the elderly to live out their
retirement years with dignity and respect.
If you are a working-class student trying to figure out how
you could possibly afford college, your dream of a college
education could evaporate along with 7 million other students
because of more than $55 billion in cuts to Pell Grants and
other student financial assistance programs.
If you are a low-income pregnant woman you may no longer
receive the nutrition assistance that you and your newborn baby
need because the Republican budget would make about $4.6
billion in cuts to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
program.
If you are a lower income senior citizen, you may no longer
be able to keep your home warm in the winter because of a $3.2
billion cut to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Further, at a time when millions of Americans are paying 40
or 50 percent of their limited incomes on housing, this budget
eliminates housing assistance for nearly 700,000 families by
making a $36 billion cut to the Section 8 rental assistance
program and other housing programs.
At a time when the cost of childcare has skyrocketed, the
Republican budget eliminates Head Start services for nearly
175,000 children by cutting this program by $8.6 billion.
In total, the Republican budget would cut more than $1.1
trillion from education, health care, affordable housing, child
care, transportation, and other programs that working people
desperately need over the next 5 years.
So the bad news is that if you are a low-income or working
class American this budget will be a disaster for you. But,
here is the good news. If you are a billionaire or in the top 1
percent, you should immediately write to the Republican
leadership and tell them how grateful you are for this budget--
because it works very well for you.
If you are the Koch brothers, the third wealthiest family
in America worth over $100 billion, you will continue to
receive a
$1 billion tax break--each and every year--as a result of
the Trump tax plan.
If you are Sheldon Adelson, a multi-billionaire casino
magnate, you will continue to receive a $526 million tax break
from the Trump tax plan--each and every year.
If you are a large corporation like Amazon, Netflix,
General Motors or IBM you will continue to make billions in
profits, but pay nothing in Federal income taxes.
Mr. Chairman, poll after poll after poll tells us that the
American people do not want us to cut Medicare or Medicaid or
education or nutrition programs--but that is exactly what the
Republican budget does.
Poll after poll tells us that the overwhelming majority of
the American people believe that the wealthiest Americans
should pay more in taxes.
But the Republican budget allows the wealthiest Americans
to continue receiving massive tax breaks.
Mr. Chairman, the American people fully understand that the
Congress works night and day to protect the interests of the
wealthy and powerful, while ignoring their needs. And that is
exactly what this budget does.
Let us reject this budget and write a budget that works for
all Americans, not just the 1-percent.
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Opening Statement of Hon. Debbie Stabenow
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening this hearing.
The Federal budget should reflect our Nation's priorities
and values. I understand that the Chairman values reducing the
deficit, and I share that sentiment.
I believe that we can find common-sense ways to reduce the
deficit while maintaining investments in important priorities.
In 1997, I was in the House of Representatives and part of
the effort when we balanced the budget for the first time in 30
years. We made tough choices focused on growing our economy and
strengthening the middle-class.
However, these last few years have shown that this
Republican-led Senate says one thing and does another.
One day they're talking about reining in deficits. The next
day they're pushing legislation that puts our Nation on an
unsustainable fiscal path. Just take a look at the 2017
Republican tax bill.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the 2017
Republican tax bill will add nearly $1.9 trillion to the
national debt.
And now--just as we predicted--this Administration and this
Committee want Congress to pay for that huge tax giveaway for
the wealthiest among us by cutting priorities important to
Michigan families.
Let me say that again: The Republican Majority is asking us
to pay for a huge tax giveaway for the wealthy by taking
funding away from things important to American families
including Medicare, Medicaid, and support for public education
This Republican budget would cut $77 billion from Medicare.
That is an attack on seniors.
This Republican budget would cut nearly $223 billion from
Medicaid while 2 out of 3 seniors get their nursing home care
through Medicaid. And half of all babies born in America have
their health care through Medicaid. That is an attack on
seniors, families and children.
This budget would cut $171 billion from education programs
including support for afterschool programs, teacher training
and professional development, and Special Olympics. This is a
budget for Betsy DeVos . .. not for children and teachers in
Michigan.
Budgets reflect our priorities and values. This budget
suggests that Republicans prioritize the wealthiest and well-
connected while asking seniors . . . children . . . and working
families to pick up the tab.
Instead of this Republican budget, this Committee should
pass a bipartisan budget that values the American people.
We should pass a real budget that improves access to health
care, and makes real investments to drive economic growth.
We can start by rejecting cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and
stopping the ceaseless attacks on the Affordable Care Act.
Millions of Americans have received coverage through the
ACA. Yet just this week, the Trump Administration has come out
in support of completely repealing the ACA.
That means almost 700,000 people would lose access to
health care through Healthy Michigan, our Medicaid expansion.
That means the Medicare ``donut hole'' would reopen,
jacking up prescription prices for seniors.
That means families would no longer be able to insure their
children up to age 26.
And that means no more protections for people with pre
existing conditions.
We need to stop attacking health care and start valuing
people.
And while we are at it, let's stop taking valuable
resources away from our Nation's public schools and start
putting meaningful resources into job training programs that
get people the skills they need to get ahead.
In Michigan, we make things and we grow things. If we want
a strong economy, we need to invest in our infrastructure--
bridges and roads and high-speed internet service in every part
of the country.
We need to protect our natural resources including our
beautiful Great Lakes, so they can be enjoyed by our
grandchildren and their grandchildren.
And we need to invest in our VA Health care system so it
can continue to serve those who have put their lives on the
line to defend our country.
Veterans shouldn't stand in the back of any line, not for
education, housing, a good job, the military honors they've
earned, or for health care.
The Federal budget should reflect our Nation's priorities
and values. This budget proposal neglects our priorities and
fails to live up to our values.
Tomorrow, I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in
crafting a budget resolution that respects the American people.
I look forward to this markup.
Statement Submitted by Hon. Debbie Stabenow on the Fiscal Year 2020
Budget Resolution
The Federal budget should reflect our Nation's priorities
and values. A smart budget should grow our economy, strengthen
the middle class, support our Nation's farmers, and protect the
most vulnerable among us.
I believe that we can find common-sense ways to reduce the
deficit while protecting key programs that American families
and communities count on. Unfortunately, this budget falls
short and fails too many Americans.
The Senate Republican Budget cuts Medicare, Medicaid, and
other social safety net programs. This budget cuts $77 billion
from Medicare and nearly $233 billion from Medicaid.
Furthermore, it once again repeals the Affordable Care Act. The
Senate Republican Budget also directs the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to implement deep cuts to
programs that are vital to rural America. These actions will
reduce the quality of life for millions of Americans including
seniors, working families, and farmers.
Had I been present for the vote on the motion to report
this budget resolution, I would have voted no.
Submission for the Record
From Senator Cramer
Fiscal Year Budget
Date: 3/28/19
Senate Budget Committee
Opening Statement
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Families in my State know the importance of fiscal
responsibility. They adhere to their budgets because they know
the consequences of excessive debt. However-unfortunately too
often Congress sees budgets as optional. Though passing a
budget is an important step in the appropriations process, our
efforts today may hold little sway as the Appropriations
committee drafts their spending bills. This process is broken.
We should not have a system that ignores budgets and encourages
omnibus spending packages. If we are going to get our fiscal
house in order, we must begin with reforming our budget and
appropriations process.
Furthermore, we must have the political confidence to make
tough decisions and tackle our Nation's spending problem on
both the mandatory and discretionary side of the ledger. To
this end, this budget is a step in the right direction. It
recommends relatively modest reforms that would put our country
on a more fiscally responsible path.
As we make reforms, we must preserve programs that are
vital to our Nation's economy. I understand the budget directs
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to find
savings. There are savings to be found in some of the
entitlement programs the Committee oversees; however, it is
critical we preserve the risk management and commodity programs
our farmers and ranchers rely on. For this reason, I have
introduced an amendment that would create a deficit neutral
reserve fund for the preservation of agriculture risk
management programs (such as crop insurance).
Additionally, it is important we continue increasing
investments in our military and ensure we care for those who
have served our country. I have introduced a second amendment
that would ensure this budget protects funding for our
veterans. Our veterans have given everything in service to our
county, and it is critical we give them the care they have
earned.
As I Stated, this budget is a step in the right direction,
but there is much more work to be done. I look forward to
working with this committee to reform our budget and
appropriations process and to get our Nation's fiscal house in
order.
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
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