U.S. House Committee on the Budget

The U.S. House Committee on the Budget, commonly known as the House Budget Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress. Its responsibilities include legislative oversight of the federal budget process, reviewing all bills and resolutions on the budget, and monitoring agencies and programs funded outside of the budgetary process.

Role of the House Budget Committee

The committee holds hearings on federal budget legislation and congressional resolutions related to the budget process. The committee may amend, approve, or table budget-related bills. It also has the power to enforce established federal budget rules, hold budget-related investigations, and subpoena witnesses. Additionally, the committee has oversight of the Congressional Budget Office.

Some government agencies and legislation are exempt from inclusion in the federal budget. The committee is responsible for reviewing these on an ongoing basis and makes recommendations to the Congress regarding changing or ending those expenditures.

Rules of the Committee

The committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month while the House is in session. It is not permitted to conduct business unless a quorum is present, which according to the rules is a majority of its members. The committee may only consider measures placed before it either by the Chairman or a by a majority vote of its members.

Committee Leaders (2005–2006)

• Jim Nussle (R-IA), Chairman
• Rob Portman (R-OH), Vice Chairman
• John Spratt (D-SC), minority Ranking Member

See Also

External link

House Budget Committee homepage