Statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018

Washington, D.C.– The following is a statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 from Jason Grumet, president of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

“Congress took welcome bipartisan action by passing a long-term budget agreement early this morning. Creating stable funding levels for two years and raising the debt ceiling for a year protects the nation from the recurring threat of government shutdown, debt default and a variety of self-inflicted harms. The legislation also makes valuable down payments and policy improvements in health care, infrastructure, and child care. While these achievements are modest, they demonstrate that Congress remains capable of working together and making real progress on divisive issues.

“For all the good investments, this agreement dramatically worsens the deficit. Just a few weeks after enacting a $1.5 trillion tax cut without any provisions to pay for it, Congress has decided to put at least $400 billion more on the ‘credit card.’ At present, neither party or the president can make any claim of fiscal responsibility. This bipartisan abdication of responsibility is unsustainable and must be confronted.

“We hope that the joint committee on budget process is empowered to be a serious effort. The country can ill afford another special committee that presents serious recommendations that are then ignored by congressional leaders and the executive branch.”