CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratAmendment · S.Amdt. 614· Senate(119-SAMDT-614)

S.Amdt. 614

Rep. Merkley
Age: 70 years
Oregon
Introduced
2/20/2025
Sponsored by
Jeff Merkley
Cosponsors
None
Changes bill
119-SCONRES-7 — An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
  1. Introduced
  2. Pending Consideration

What this amendment would do

As your legislative analyst, let's look at what Senator Merkley is trying to do here to keep our elected officials accountable and protect our pocketbooks. He submitted amendment SA 614, which adds a new point of order to the Senate rules regarding reconciliation legislation tied to the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution.

Purpose of the Amendment

The main goal of this amendment is simple: make sure our leaders don't vote on massive budget reconciliation bills without knowing how they will affect inflation first. Common sense tells us we need to know the price we are all going to pay before the Senate votes on these major financial packages.

What It Changes and Adds

Here is what the amendment adds to the bill:

  • CBO Inflation Estimate Requirement: It bans the Senate from considering certain bills unless the Congressional Budget Office has posted an estimate of the legislation's effect on inflation on its website during the 72-hour period ending on the final passage vote.

  • High Bar for Waivers: It requires an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the sworn Senators to waive or suspend this rule, or to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair.