We rightly view everything our government does with skepticism given the rather precarious financial position we see ourselves in from a debt and budget standpoint. However, it’s also incumbent upon us, the citizens, to clearly understand the role and responsibility that government has with respect to managing our finances.
In the 2013 Budget Proposal submitted by Congressman Paul Ryan (R) of Wisconsin page 4 nicely lays out that obligation without the use of the usual legal jargon. You can download the budget here if you want to review but I’ve quoted page 4 below for your reading pleasure. You are also welcome to download the entire Path to prosperity 2013 House Budget (pdf).
“Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to appropriate funds from the Treasury, pay the obligations of and raise revenue for the federal government, and publish statements and accounts of all financial transactions.
In addition, the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 requires Congress to write a budget each year representing its plan to carry out these transactions in the forthcoming fiscal years. While the President is required to propose his administration’s budget requests for Congress’s consideration, Congress alone is responsible for writing the laws that raise revenues, appropriate funds, and prioritize taxpayer dollars within an overall federal budget.
The budget resolution is the only legislative vehicle that views government comprehensively. It provides the framework for the consideration of other legislation. Ultimately, a budget is much more than series of numbers. It also serves as an expression of Congress’s principles, vision, and philosophy of governing.
This budget, submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives for fiscal year 2013 and beyond, builds upon the budget that was written and passed by the House last year. Like last year’s budget, it is offered on time, in accordance with the 1974 Budget Act, out of respect for the law and in order that the public be given a timely and transparent accounting of government’s work.
Like last year’s budget, it is committed to the timeless principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution – liberty, limited government, and equality under the rule of law.
And like last year’s budget, it seeks to guide the nation’s policies by those principles, freeing it from the crushing burden
of debt now threatening its future.This budget is submitted, as prescribed by law, to clarify the challenges and the choices facing the American people, provide a blueprint for the orderly execution of Congress’s constitutional duties, and describe a path forward that renews the promise of this exceptional nation.”
