“After four years of balanced budgets, an economic recession and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, brought back federal deficits. While the economy is growing again, the war on terrorism continues, and budget deficits have returned.”
-US Senator Larry Craig,
"A Billion Here, A Billion There"
American families understand that they shouldn't spend more than they earn. They must live within their means, and so should the federal government. For the federal government, just like for families, borrowing money delays the honoring of obligations. It also compounds the amount owed and the cost of interest payments. Over time, the government will pass these obligations on to future generations in the form of higher taxes to pay ever-mounting interest on that debt.
What can be done? We must make a permanent commitment to the moral imperative of fiscal responsibility.
The federal government's spending momentum, however, makes tax cuts, reductions in pork, and slashes in subsidies only first steps toward a real solution. The only long-term, fundamental, permanent reform that would effectively dispel the danger of current fiscal recklessness and restore fiscal responsibility is a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution like the one I re-introduced at the beginning of the current Congress.
Using the information and resources in this Briefing, you will learn why fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget are so crucial for the long-term security of our nation. Your Briefing begins with information and background material on how the federal budget and appropriations process works.
“No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law....”
-The Constitution of the United States, Article I
With this clause, the US Constitution lists one of the powers and responsibilities delegated to the US Congress—the creation of a federal budget. The Congressional budget process starts every year with the President's submission of a detailed, recommended budget by the first Monday in February. Before Congress appropriates one dollar, it passes a Budget Resolution which sets the overall funding amounts for the federal government. Appropriations must fit within the overall budget numbers set in the Budget Resolution.
Mandatory Spending
About two-thirds of the entire federal budget is made up of what
budget laws call "mandatory" spending — payments that occur
automatically, under formulas
enacted in the past in "permanent"
appropriations, like Social Security
and Medicare benefits, some (but
not all) veterans, farm, and
poverty programs, and paying
interest on the national debt.
Discretionary Spending
The remaining one-third has to
be written every year into several
"regular" Appropriations bills. The
government functions provided for
in these bills include such diverse
activities as defense and homeland
security, law enforcement,
education, many Older Americans programs, transportation,
management of public lands, medical and other scientific
research, disaster response, and administrative expenses.
The United States Senate
Overview of the Executive Budget Process (pdf)-Brief overview of the President's FY07 Budget
-Glossary of Budget Terms
-Budget Process Flow Chart
President Bush & his Administration
White House Budget Briefing
Serving on these Appropriations subcommittees allows me to focus on issues Idahoans care about most and guide funding based on those priorities:
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee since 1997, I have retained, first and foremost, my commitment to fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and limited government — a philosophy shared by Idaho's citizens.
Within the limitations of a fiscally responsible budget, I will fight for Idaho priorities including projects to:
Learn more about fiscally responsible federal funding for the Gem State in my report on Idaho Initiatives.
Earnest Earmarks
by US Senator Larry Craig
& Congressman Mike Simpson
February 1, 2006
Recent scandals involving lobbyists and members of Congress cast a new spotlight on the functions of Congress and brought about a flurry of proposals to transform the business of legislating in our nation's capital.
Unfortunately, as you may know, some unscrupulous Members of Congress have used the awarding of appropriations "earmarks" as a means of enriching themselves and their families at the expense of taxpayers. That's wrong, it's against the law, and they will be going to jail for their transgressions.
“It's a new day, a new year, and a new Senate. We have the opportunity of a fresh start and, hopefully, the wisdom of experience. Today, with the first piece of legislation I am introducing in the 109th Congress, I call on the Senate to safeguard the future, by considering and passing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution - a Bill of Economic Rights for our future and our children.”
-US Senator Larry Craig introduces S.J.Res. 2,
United States Senate, January 24, 2005
A critical issue now facing Congress is how to balance desired increases in valuable programs with the need to maintain overall fiscal responsibility. To guarantee Social Security, pay down the public debt, and provide for other national priorities, it is absolutely necessary to continue balancing the budget. Over time, consistent discipline in government spending actually means improved support for beneficial programs. To ensure Congress achieves these goals, I have introduced the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. I will continue to work to see this amendment enacted.
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