Bill · H.R. 9452· House(119-HR-9452)
Budgeting for a Better America Act
- Introduced
- 6/24/2026
- Last activity
- 6/24/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Womack
- Cosponsors
- - 13 - 5
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Budgeting for a Better America Act," implements reforms to the budget and appropriations process in the House of Representatives. It shifts the budget process from annual to biennial, focusing on two-year cycles. The legislation establishes a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to identify policies for long-term fiscal sustainability. It also mandates a target deficit of 3 percent of gross domestic product. Additionally, the bill updates the timetable for budget submissions and includes provisions for new member training and updated committee views.
Yes
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
It implements biennial budgeting and creates a commission to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?+4
The bill targets a reduction in the deficit to 3 percent of GDP through a National Commission.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates hearings on the fiscal state of the nation and public reporting of commission findings.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this strengthen Social Security?-3
The bill directs the commission to address the growth of entitlement spending, which may impact Social Security.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill targets reductions in entitlement spending to achieve fiscal sustainability.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?-2
Potential changes to entitlement spending may impact seniors receiving Social Security and other programs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Fiscal Sustainability: The bill establishes a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform tasked with identifying policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and achieve long-term sustainability (Section 201(e)).
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Targeted Deficit Reduction: The Commission is required to propose recommendations designed to achieve an annual 3 percent deficit to gross domestic product by the end of a 10-year period (Section 201(e)).
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Improved Oversight of Long-Term Obligations: The bill mandates an analysis of long-term unfunded obligations, specifically looking at the impact on entitlement programs over 25, 50, and 75-year windows (Section 302).
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Increased Transparency of Fiscal State: The legislation requires a hearing on the fiscal state of the Nation, featuring a presentation from the Comptroller General regarding the financial position and condition of the Federal Government (Section 304).
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Better Prepared Legislators: The bill provides for an introductory briefing from the Congressional Budget Office for all newly elected Members of Congress during their official orientation process (Section 305).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Changes to Entitlement Spending: The Commission is specifically directed to propose recommendations that address the growth of entitlement spending (Section 201(e)).
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Risk of Rapid Legislative Changes: The bill creates an expedited process for a "Commission joint resolution" which can be passed in both the House and Senate without the ability to be amended (Section 203).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5Reduces National Debt+4Reduces Government Spending-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees-2Good For Seniors-2Good For Low Income Households-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security-3
- 10/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 11 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Ken CalvertRepublican · California
John CarterRepublican · Texas
Tom ColeRepublican · Oklahoma
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Charles FleischmannRepublican · Tennessee
Brett GuthrieRepublican · Kentucky
Jared GoldenDemocrat · Maine
Bill HuizengaRepublican · Michigan
Michael McCaulRepublican · Texas
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California
Harold RogersRepublican · Kentucky
Pete SessionsRepublican · Texas
Adrian SmithRepublican · Nebraska
Jefferson ShreveRepublican · Indiana
David ValadaoRepublican · California