[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H4102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE BUDGET PROCESS

  (Mr. SABO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, let me indicate that this was a process 
adopted in 1990 to make sure that appropriations could move forward in 
the event no budget resolution is adopted. In 1991, April 15 came on a 
Monday. The allocation to appropriations was filed on April 18. In 
1992, April 15 came during Easter recess. The House reconvened on April 
28 and the allocation was filed on April 30. In 1994, April 15 was a 
Friday. The allocation was filed on Tuesday.
  Let me indicate that this is a process established so that 
appropriations can move forward. It does not prejudge what the 602(b) 
allocations internally in that committee should be, but it should be 
followed so that committee can begin working, avoid the problems we had 
this year on the continuing resolution. It does not prejudge how the 
Committee on Appropriations makes internal allocations. The majority 
has full flexibility to move forward, if they desire in a partisan way, 
with the 602(b) allocation. They could begin negotiations with the 
minority Democrats and administration to resolve what we are now 
resolving 6 months late at this point of the year. They have that 
discretion.
  I urge, if it has not been followed, that the majority follow the 
law, give that allocation to Appropriations, so that negotiations can 
begin within the appropriating process so we do not have to go through 
the 13 continuing resolutions of this year and the budget process, 
whenever it is going to occur, whatever form it is going to take, or at 
what time we eventually get to the conference agreement, can proceed. 
But we should not be shortening the time that the Committee on 
Appropriations needs and which under the law they should be able to 
begin now.

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