To amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require any cost estimate for a bill or joint resolution prepared by the Congressional Budget Office to include the cost to each United States citizen for carrying out such measure, and for other purposes.
Impact
If enacted, HB 9777 would significantly alter the way fiscal estimates are presented to Congress and the public. The bill's requirement for individualized cost assessments represents a shift toward greater accountability in government spending. It underscores the notion that federal fiscal policies have direct consequences on citizens' finances, potentially reshaping how lawmakers approach budgetary and spending decisions. Such a change may also influence public perception and engagement in fiscal matters.
Summary
House Bill 9777 seeks to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by mandating that any cost estimates provided by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for bills or joint resolutions must include the estimated cost impact on each individual United States citizen. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and awareness regarding the fiscal implications of proposed legislation, ensuring citizens understand how federal spending and debt may affect them personally.
Contention
Though the bill proposes a seemingly straightforward enhancement to fiscal transparency, it may ignite debate among legislators and the public. Proponents may argue that this requirement empowers citizens and promotes informed voting decisions by clearly outlining the potential financial burden of government actions. Critics, however, could view this as administrative overreach, raising concerns about the practicality of implementing such estimates and whether they could lead to misinterpretations or political exploitation in campaigning and governance.
A bill to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require any cost estimate for a bill or joint resolution prepared by the Congressional Budget Office to include the cost to each United States citizen for carrying out such measure, and for other purposes.
Budgetary Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs Act of 2023 or the BASIC Act This bill requires cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the costs of servicing the public debt.
Cost Estimates Improvement Act This bill requires cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include (1) the cost of servicing the public debt; and (2) a list of any federal agencies, programs, and initiatives with fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative goals or activities covered by the legislation.
Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, and for other purposes.
A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
Relating to consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.