One More Bit of Good News About Congressional Capacity

Within the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) was authorized to establish senior level positions “to meet critical scientific, technical, professional, or executive needs of the Office.”

Such an authorization is a clear signal that Congress values CBOs nonpartisan budget and economic analysis, and wants to increase the capacity of the Office to better inform members on the economic impacts of potential legislation.

Authorization Language:

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION ESTABLISHMENT OF SENIOR LEVEL POSITIONS SEC. 1101. (a) Notwithstanding the fourth sentence of section 201(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 601(b)), the Director of the Congressional Budget Office may establish and fix the compensation of senior level positions in the Congressional Budget Office to meet critical scientific, technical, professional, or executive needs of the Office.