Ayotte Renews Support for Biennial Budgeting Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte announced today she is again supporting bipartisan legislation to help end reckless spending and reform the federal budget process. The Biennial Budget and Appropriations Act would convert Congress' annual appropriations process into a two-year budget cycle, with one year devoted to oversight of wasteful federal programs. The bill was reintroduced today by Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

"I'm pleased to once again support this bipartisan legislation that would reform our nation's broken budget process," said Senator Ayotte. "Congress should not continue funding our government through short-term extensions and last minute catch-all bills. With a national debt over $18 trillion, it's time to bring New Hampshire common sense to how federal spending decisions are made. This bipartisan proposal will also allow for rigorous oversight of government programs in the second budget year to ensure the most effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."

The legislation requires the president to submit a two-year budget at the start of a new Congress. Members of Congress would then need to adopt a two-year budget resolution, a reconciliation bill if necessary, and two-year appropriations bills during that first session. The second session of a Congress then would be devoted to the consideration of authorization bills and oversight of federal programs.

Senator Ayotte was a cosponsor of the Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act in the 113th Congress. In 2013, the bill was introduced as an amendment to the budget resolution, and passed the Senate by a vote of 68-31.

The concept of biennial budgeting has been endorsed by Republican and Democratic administrations since Ronald Reagan, as well as by numerous federal budget experts.

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