Members of Congress could call for recorded votes during the budgetary process to hold each other accountable to the federal budget under a resolution that U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH) recently introduced.
Under current budgetary processes, budget-related objections can be ignored because the House Rules Committee can choose to waive budget-related issues.
The Budget Enforcement Awareness Resolution would amend House Rules to enable any member to call for a recorded vote on such waivers. The resolution aims to hold members of Congress accountable to each other and constituents.
“As a business owner for nearly three decades and as a mayor who was required to balance a budget like hard-working American families have to do, I understand the importance of passing a budget that promotes efficiency, effectiveness and accountability,” Renacci, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, said.
Renacci introduced the resolution as the national debt approaches $20 trillion.
“I also know from my time in the real world that when you set a budget, you need to abide by it,” Renacci continued. “This resolution focuses not only on making sure Congress is aware of our fiscal situation and our budgetary goals but also improves financial transparency for every piece of legislation that makes its way to the floor of the House.”