Since 2009, Congress has failed to pass a complete budget. Rather than relying on this traditional method, both chambers have instead depended on the use of continuing resolutions – essentially extensions of previous funding agreements – to cover the costs of governing. The problem with this approach is that it effectively freezes spending inefficiencies and problems. While members of both parties publicly declare a desire to go back to passing budgets, the reality is that the current political quagmire could make returning to such a system unfeasible at best.
One of the big issues being passed back and forth on Capitol Hill is whether or not a long-term budget is the best approach. In a move similar to the 2011 Budget Control Act, a possible deal would set boundaries within which government spending could be addressed. Unfortunately this would further cement the use of continuing resolutions into place and essentially allow Democrats and Republicans to spend with impunity. In the meantime, honest conversations about departmental budgets – and the reckless spending within – would go unheeded.
"We now have an opportunity to focus on a sensible budget that is responsible, that is fair, and that helps hardworking people all across this country," President Barack Obama said in a recent speech. While it's clear that he will use the next round of "negotiations" to generate more revenue for the U.S. government, it's nice to see the president bringing attention to the fact that nearly five years have gone by since a budget was completed. Americans should not hold their breath over a sudden surge in Democrat action for a budget, considering the first year the budget agreement fell off the rails was when the party had a super-majority in Congress.
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