Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB710

Introduced
2/1/23  

Caption

Sustainable Budget Act of 2022

Impact

The establishment of this commission would significantly influence the federal budget process and could lead to substantial changes in fiscal policy. By improving fiscal responsibility and reform, the commission is expected to address the growth of entitlement spending, as well as help to harmonize the anticipated revenues and expenditures of the Federal Government. Notably, the commission's recommendations could lead to major changes in government policies, impacting various sectors that rely on federal funding.

Summary

House Bill 710, also known as the Sustainable Budget Act of 2022, aims to establish a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. The bill mandates the formation of an 18-member commission tasked with identifying policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium and long term. A key focus of the commission will be to propose recommendations to balance the federal budget, excluding interest payments on the national debt, by the end of a ten-year period, which is viewed as essential for stabilizing the debt-to-GDP ratio at manageable levels.

Contention

While proponents of HB 710 argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure long-term fiscal health and accountability in government spending, the bill has raised concerns among skeptics. Critics worry that the commission could propagate austerity measures that might adversely affect social safety nets and public services. By potentially reallocating or reducing entitlement expenditures, the legislation could spark a political battle over the balance between fiscal discipline and maintaining necessary support for vulnerable populations.

Companion Bills

US SB743

Related Sustainable Budget Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US SB1032

Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023

US HB2626

Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023

US HR398

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2494) to make the assault of a law enforcement officer a deportable offense, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3091) to allow Federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 40) expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies.

US HB1206

Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2023

US HB3556

Increasing Financial Regulatory Accountability and Transparency Act

US HB281

Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2023 This bill establishes a temporary commission within the legislative branch to provide Congress with recommendations and proposed legislation to ensure the solvency of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (commonly referred to as the Social Security trust funds) for at least 75 years. The bill also sets out expedited procedures for the consideration of legislation proposed by the commission. The commission terminates within 60 days of providing its recommendations and proposed legislation.

US HR463

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 277) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 288) to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1615) to prohibit the use of Federal funds to ban gas stoves; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1640) to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the proposed rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products", and for other purposes.

US HB323

People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE Act This bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested welfare programs. Means-tested welfare programs are those designed to specifically provide assistance exclusively to low-income Americans. The commission shall review all federal means-tested programs, excluding various specified programs such as the Social Security benefits program, Medicare, and Department of Veterans Affairs-administered programs. The commission's review shall cover topics including (1) ways to make the benefits programs more efficient and streamlined, (2) opportunities to reduce costs by contracting with private entities or delegating to states, (3) any programs that should be subject to discretionary appropriations, and (4) changes to allow caseworkers to have a holistic view of the beneficiary. The commission shall report its findings to Congress, and the report shall include proposed legislation to carry out the commission's recommendations. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate majority leader shall introduce the proposed legislation in their respective chambers. The proposed legislation shall be considered under certain expedited procedures, such as limitations on debate.