Comprehensive Congressional Budget Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 7295
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7295Economics and Public Finance
Comprehensive Congressional Budget Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 30· LAST ACTION JAN 30
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it seeks to address long-standing challenges in how the U.S. government manages its money. Currently, a significant portion of federal spending, including major programs, is not routinely reviewed by Congress annually. This bill would bring all federal spending and revenue under a single, annual 'budget Act,' forcing lawmakers to consider the entire financial picture and its impact on the national debt.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more focused debates about federal spending priorities, greater accountability for fiscal outcomes, and potentially a more efficient budget process that reduces delays and the risk of government shutdowns. If it doesn't pass, the existing fragmented budget system, with its acknowledged issues of rising debt and inconsistent oversight, would continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes an "annual budget Act" to itemize all federal budget authority and revenue.
This provision fundamentally changes the budgeting process by consolidating all federal spending and revenue into a single legislative package.
PROVISION 02
Revises the timetable for the congressional budget process, setting specific deadlines for various stages.
This aims to streamline the budget process, prevent delays, and ensure a more predictable schedule for budget approval.
PROVISION 03
Requires Budget Committee Chairs to report baseline spending levels that take effect if a budget resolution is not adopted by April 15th.
This acts as a critical fallback mechanism to prevent budget impasses and ensure that a framework for spending is in place.
PROVISION 04
Requires committees to submit detailed spending and revenue recommendations for the 'annual budget Act'.
This increases the involvement of all congressional committees in shaping the comprehensive federal budget.
Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it seeks to address long-standing challenges in how the U.S. government manages its money. Currently, a significant portion of federal spending, including major programs, is not routinely reviewed by Congress annually. This bill would bring all federal spending and revenue under a single, annual 'budget Act,' forcing lawmakers to consider the entire financial picture and its impact on the national debt.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more focused debates about federal spending priorities, greater accountability for fiscal outcomes, and potentially a more efficient budget process that reduces delays and the risk of government shutdowns. If it doesn't pass, the existing fragmented budget system, with its acknowledged issues of rising debt and inconsistent oversight, would continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes an "annual budget Act" to itemize all federal budget authority and revenue.
This provision fundamentally changes the budgeting process by consolidating all federal spending and revenue into a single legislative package.
med
Revises the timetable for the congressional budget process, setting specific deadlines for various stages.
This aims to streamline the budget process, prevent delays, and ensure a more predictable schedule for budget approval.
high
Requires Budget Committee Chairs to report baseline spending levels that take effect if a budget resolution is not adopted by April 15th.
This acts as a critical fallback mechanism to prevent budget impasses and ensure that a framework for spending is in place.
med
Requires committees to submit detailed spending and revenue recommendations for the 'annual budget Act'.
This increases the involvement of all congressional committees in shaping the comprehensive federal budget.
Congressional Budget Office submits report to Budget Committees
Not later than 6 weeks after President submits budget
Committees submit views and estimates to Budget Committees
April 1
Senate Budget Committee reports concurrent resolution on the budget
April 15
Congress completes action on concurrent resolution on the budget
May 15
Committees submit spending and revenue line items and any recommendations to Committees on the Budget
June 10
House Budget Committee reports annual budget Act
June 15
Congress completes action on reconciliation legislation
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Annual Budget Act
A single law proposed by this bill that would itemize all federal spending authority and revenue for a fiscal year.
Appropriations
Funds set aside by Congress for specific government programs or departments through annual legislation.
Direct Spending (Mandatory Spending)
Federal spending that is not subject to annual approval by Congress and is determined by existing laws, such as Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Budget Resolution (Concurrent Resolution on the Budget)
A non-binding resolution passed by both chambers of Congress that sets overall spending and revenue targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
Baseline Levels
Projected future spending and revenue levels if current laws remain unchanged, used as a starting point for budget discussions.
Fiscal Year
The 12-month period the federal government uses for budgeting and accounting, beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30.
Reconciliation
An optional legislative process used by Congress to make changes to existing laws that would affect federal spending or revenue to conform to a budget resolution.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 30
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 30
Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
If a concurrent resolution on the budget is not adopted by April 15, the Chair of the Committee on the Budget of each House of Congress shall report baseline levels for all required amounts
Authorizing Committees
Congressional committees responsible for creating the laws that establish government programs and agencies, and define their operations.
