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Who We Are

CBO produces policy analyses, cost estimates of legislation, and budget and economic projections that serve as a basis for the Congress's decisions about spending and taxes. Every piece of legislation affecting the use of the nation's resources undergoes CBO's scrutiny. The agency is a public-sector think tank that employs an elite, multidisciplinary staff of professional analysts--public-policy and budget experts, economists, and other critical thinkers who enjoy challenges--at levels ranging from undergraduate and graduate interns to researchers with doctorates and substantial experience.

Each year, in the bustle of the budget process, CBO serves as a source of objective information. At stake is a federal budget of more than $2.5 trillion that affects the lives of everyone in the United States and many people around the world. The Congress depends on CBO to help it sort through the maze of programs competing for funds and to serve as a much-needed "reality check" for partisan advocacy.

Important Business

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Amid the clamor of lobbyists and pressure groups competing for access to the nation's resources, CBO professionals produce some of the most important information and analyses for government policymaking--reliable, objective projections of government spending and revenues and balanced, credible analyses of complex issues and long-term trends.

The Organization

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CBO is an agency of about 250 employees located in the Ford House Office Building at the foot of Capitol Hill. Well over half of its staff have advanced degrees in economics, public policy, and a variety of other disciplines.

As an agency of the Congress, CBO enjoys greater flexibility than other government employers in hiring staff, assigning responsibilities, and recognizing and rewarding achievement. The relatively flat organizational structure fosters a collegial environment and encourages a team spirit.

The staff are organized into seven divisions: Budget Analysis, Financial Analysis, Health and Human Resources, Macroeconomic Analysis, Microeconomic Studies, National Security, and Tax Analysis. An eighth division--Management, Business, and Information Services--provides personnel, financial, editorial, and computer support. A Long-Term Modeling Group examines a critical budgetary challenge facing the nation--the aging of the baby-boom generation and its effects on programs such as Social Security and Medicare. A Panel of Economic Advisers, composed of eminent economists from the private sector and academia and some of CBO's previous directors, reviews and comments on CBO's economic forecasts and methods.

The Opportunity

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Economists/Policy Analysts write CBO reports and studies, draft Congressional testimony, and conduct research to formulate the agency's economic and budget projections. With access to an array of tools and data for their research, CBO's analysts design and execute the agency's analyses for the Congress. Most have a doctorate or master's degree in economics or a related discipline.

Budget Analysts prepare CBO's multiyear projections of spending and estimate the budgetary effects of legislative proposals, including the President's budget and all bills reported by Congressional committees. They work closely with Congressional staff, providing authoritative information in a fast-paced environment. Most budget analysts have at least a master's degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field.

Research Assistants/Assistant Analysts, during an appointment of up to three years, conduct quantitative analysis under the direction of senior CBO staff. Many also take on their own projects, enjoying a level of autonomy not generally associated with entry-level jobs. Prior technical experience (such as work using statistical and econometric programs) is required. CBO also provides on-the-job training. Most research assistants/assistant analysts have completed an undergraduate program in economics or a related field and generally go on to graduate programs.

Interns/Summer Associates are hired for limited paid appointments--usually for 10 weeks during summer months. Many interns obtain positions at CBO after completing graduate degrees. Although most interns are graduate students in public policy, public administration, or economics, the program is also open to exceptional undergraduate students. The deadline for applying is usually in March.

Economic Policy Fellows work at CBO for a limited period--usually one year or less--on policy-related research. Such scholars are typically professors on sabbatical or senior staff on leave from other organizations.