Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Reform Failure Should Lead to Broader Reform in Budget and Appropriations

The following is a statement from BPC Action Executive Director Michele Stockwell on the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform: 

“BPC Action is disappointed in the failure of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) to report its recommendations today. However, this should not be seen as the end of efforts to restore legislative order to Congress. Indeed, it is proof-positive that a more holistic effort with sufficient resources that is guaranteed a fair vote on the floor is needed to achieve lasting results.

We encourage Congress to build on the work of the JSC, starting in the House, with the creation of a Select Committee on the Organization of Congress but arm it with full-time staff, sufficient resources, and a strong process to ensure its success in bringing the transformational changes needed to revitalize Congress. As important and fundamental as the budget and appropriations processes are to the nation, the institution as a whole needs reforms. Partnering these two efforts will bring about systemic improvements and create the political will to achieve long-term reforms.

BPC Action urges members to support this new committee as they debate and consider a new rules package—and for Leadership to take its structure seriously.”