Senators eye commission to tackle budget crisis

[Linnea]

Is some form of sanity now returning to the halls of Congress? More great news.

...from Reuters Tue Nov 10, 2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Several U.S. senators said on Tuesday they probably could force Congress to cede some control to a bipartisan commission that would tackle the United States' looming budget crisis.

Proponents say the panel is needed because Congress lacks the will to raise taxes or slash spending to reduce record budget deficits brought on by Bush-era tax cuts, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and massive stimulus spending to fight the worst economic downturn since the 1930s.

The idea is unpopular with many Democrats in the House of Representatives who are wary of ceding control over spending and taxes, but it has gained ground in the Senate, where moderate Democrats are increasingly uneasy about debt levels.

"There are rare moments in this institution when we can implement fundamental change. This is one of those moments," Democratic Senator Evan Bayh, who backs establishment of a budget commission, told the Senate Budget Committee.

More Here

[Cynthia Lynn]

Is some form of sanity now returning to the halls of Congress? More great news.

...from Reuters Tue Nov 10, 2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Several U.S. senators said on Tuesday they probably could force Congress to cede some control to a bipartisan commission that would tackle the United States' looming budget crisis.

Proponents say the panel is needed because Congress lacks the will to raise taxes or slash spending to reduce record budget deficits brought on by Bush-era tax cuts, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and massive stimulus spending to fight the worst economic downturn since the 1930s.

The idea is unpopular with many Democrats in the House of Representatives who are wary of ceding control over spending and taxes, but it has gained ground in the Senate, where moderate Democrats are increasingly uneasy about debt levels.

"There are rare moments in this institution when we can implement fundamental change. This is one of those moments," Democratic Senator Evan Bayh, who backs establishment of a budget commission, told the Senate Budget Committee.

More Here

Wouldn't this budget commission be unconstitutional unless its aim is simply to advise?

[Linnea]

I believe the Senate has the power to levy taxes and tariffs, form treaties and to enact legislation to create agencies, departments and regulatory rules. Also to control spending and budgets. The House alone is responsible for authorizing government expenditures. There are also 'unfunded mandates' - as the 'No Child Left Behind' fiasco.

I'm not that up on civics. Maybe Racehorse could add his voice here.

[Swerdloc]

Ultimately, both the House and Senate would have to pass--and the President would have to sign--any budget bill. But the Congress can delegate authority to special committees or commissions to work out compromises on bills, if they agree to accept the results the commissions come up with.

[Cynthia Lynn]

I believe the Senate has the power to levy taxes and tariffs, form treaties and to enact legislation to create agencies, departments and regulatory rules. Also to control spending and budgets. The House alone is responsible for authorizing government expenditures. There are also 'unfunded mandates' - as the 'No Child Left Behind' fiasco.

I'm not that up on civics. Maybe Racehorse could add his voice here.

My concern was over the wording in the article "...to cede some control to a bipartisan commission..."

Perhaps it's just a badly worded sentence.

I have some thoughts on this and can weigh in later, but right now I'm trying to do ten things at once... and I'm doing them all badly.

[racehorse]

I believe the Senate has the power to levy taxes and tariffs, form treaties and to enact legislation to create agencies, departments and regulatory rules. Also to control spending and budgets. The House alone is responsible for authorizing government expenditures. There are also 'unfunded mandates' - as the 'No Child Left Behind' fiasco.

I'm not that up on civics. Maybe Racehorse could add his voice here.

The Senate and the House have occasionally delegated authority to commissions such as this. Ultimately, the power to accept or reject any budget rests with them. This would probably be an area where they agree to either accept or reject whatever compromise the commission would recomend in it's entirety much like they have done with the recommendations regarding closing military bases. Still, the Senate and House must pass a budget and the President must approve it either through signature or inaction (which never happens regarding budgets in practice).

[racehorse]

Ultimately, both the House and Senate would have to pass--and the President would have to sign--any budget bill. But the Congress can delegate authority to special committees or commissions to work out compromises on bills, if they agree to accept the results the commissions come up with.

Exactly!

[Cherry Kelly]

Interesting, but who would comprise this commission group?

How about accountants from various areas who are NOT in congress or personal buddies/friends of congress?

How about justification and accounting for budget expenditures?

just a thought...