The members of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform today met for a second time ahead of the select committee's first public hearing, scheduled for next week. After today's meeting, the co-chairs Steve Womack (R-AR) and Nita Lowey (D-NY) issued the following statements:
"We had a very informative and useful session this morning on the history of the budget process with some top experts from the Congressional Research Service," said Democrat co-chair Nita Lowey. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Joint Select Committee to continue to explore the budget and appropriations processes."
"I am encouraged that we continue to have productive discussions about and broaden our understanding of the problems with the budget and appropriations process in Congress," said Republican co-chair Steve Womack. "As we consider possible solutions, I look forward to talking through ideas with expert witnesses during our first public hearing next week.
The select committee's first public hearing, Opportunities to Significantly Improve the Federal Budget Process, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 10:30 am. Witnesses will include Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin and Martha Coven, J.D. During the meeting, the select committee will also adopt its rules. The hearing can be streamed live here.
Background
The Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform was established by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which was signed into law on February 9, 2018. The committee is comprised of 16 members, equally divided between the House and Senate. Four members each were appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader, the House Democratic Leader, and the Senate Democratic Leader. House Budget Committee Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR) and House Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY) were tapped to lead as co-chairs of this panel. Chairman Womack also serves on the House Appropriations Committee.
The select committee is required to hold public hearings and report recommendations and legislative text by November 30, 2018.