The Budget Guy: Congressional Budget Inertia is Paralyzing Government

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Focus Washington:

In testimony that was harsh and critical, federal budget expert Stan Collender told the House Budget Committee that the failed budget process was a result of the committee's unwillingness to complete the job they were sent to Washington to accomplish: passing a budget that requires a willingness to make difficult decisions.

Collender, who has previously testified to Congress, was sharply critical in urging the committee to have a "frank, open, and honest" dialogue on failed policies when working with the White House on the budget. In an interview with Chuck Conconi, host of Focus Washington, Collender pointed out that Congress has the authority and mandate to act on the budget, and constant gridlock has forced the economy to function with continuing resolutions, adding that he does not believe it will be any different in the run-up to the presidential elections.

Fears over increased spending have paralyzed both Republicans and Democrats, who have worried aging voters by cutting Medicare and Medicaid spending. Presidential candidates have demonstrated a similar unwillingness to increase national spending: despite ambitious economic goals, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump rejected fiscal plans that dramatically increase the federal budget.

Though he criticized committee members for failing to reform policies developed five years ago, Collender stated that change is unlikely, asserting that "the government goes on autopilot because of congressional inertia." Pointing to a recent example, Collender noted the complaints of policymakers who refuse to increase spending on the overburdened and underfunded Transportation Security Administration.

Before changing national policy, Collender argued, the committee must overcome disagreements over spending, as policymakers are not held accountable for political battles over the budget. Firm and unforgiving, Collender maintained that bipartisan budget reform must rescue the country from fiscal stagnation.

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SOURCE Focus Washington

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