S. Con. Res.3, A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2017 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2018 through 2026

Floor Situation

On Friday, January 13, 2017, the House will consider S. Con. Res. 3, a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2017 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2018 through 2026, under a structured rule. S. Con. Res. 3was introduced on January 3, 2017 by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and was referred to the Senate Budget Committee. The Senate passed S. Con. Res. 3on January 12, 2017. 

Summary

S. Con. Res. 3 established the budget for fiscal year 2017 and the budget levels for fiscal years 2018-2026. Specifically, the resolution includes reconciliation instructions to the House Committee on Ways and Means, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to achieve at least $1 billion each in deficit reduction over the 2017-2026 period. Each committee is required to report legislation to their respective Budget Committee no later than January 27, 2017. Finally, the resolution establishes reserve funds to accommodate health care legislation, providing the chairs of the House and Senate Budget Committees with the authority to adjust the committee spending allocations if certain conditions are met. 

Additional information was provided by the House Budget Committee and can be found here.

Background

The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 sets forth the federal budget process, including the requirement that Congress produce a budget each year. Under the Congressional Budget Act, agreement in both chambers on a resolution triggers the budget reconciliation process.  The chief purpose of reconciliation is to enhance Congress’s ability to change current law in order to bring revenue and spending levels into conformity with targets established in the budget resolution.

Reconciliation is a two-stage process in which reconciliation instructions are included in the budget resolution.  These instructions direct appropriate committees to develop legislation achieving a certain budget outcome, which is then considered under expedited procedures in the House and Senate. 

Last Congress, the reconciliation process produced the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015, legislation that repealed Obamacare and placed a 1-year moratorium on Planned Parenthood funding.  The measure was vetoed by President Obama on January 8, 2016.

Amendments

1. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) – This substitute amendment allows for passage of legislation to create jobs, improve the Nation’s infrastructure, and reform the tax code. This reflects an approach that, as we start a new Congress, looks for areas of bipartisan agreement to make a difference in the lives of Americans families. The amendment would not provide any fast track procedures for efforts related to health care legislation.

Cost

There is no Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate associated with the budget resolution. 

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Jake Vreeburg with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-1374.