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Working For Maine

Budget Committee

Click here, to read about Rep. Allen’s priorities for federal spending.

The Federal Budget

The federal budget, just like the budget of each family, is about choices and priorities. Congressman Allen believes the spending priorities of our federal government are a reflection of our values as a nation.  He is a member of the House Budget Committee, which is responsible for drafting the annual Budget Resolution, reflecting the priorities and spending goals of the federal budget for the year.  As a member of this important Committee, Congressman Allen fights for fiscally responsible budgets that reflect Maine values, invest in people, and make Maine and the nation more competitive in the global economy.

The Process

Each spring, the Budget Committee drafts, amends, and approves a Budget Resolution.  This legislation, once it is approved in the House and Senate, sets the overall spending guidelines for the federal government for the coming fiscal year.  The Budget Resolution forces Congress to make choices between health care, education, the military, tax cuts, and other demands on resources.

In February of each year, the Budget Committee receives the President’s budget request.  This is followed by extensive hearings with Executive Branch officials and agency secretaries, wherein Committee Members conduct oversight of the prior year’s activities and ask these officials to justify their spending requests.

While other committees craft the detailed spending bills that fund, for example, the Small Business Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, those decisions are shaped by the allocations approved by the Budget Committee.

In the 110th Congress, Congressman Allen has used his seat as a Senior member of the House Budget Committee to advocate for a Federal Budget that reflect the values and priorities of Maine families.

Click here , to visit the House Budget Committee website.
Click here, to view videos of Congressman Allen in Committee.