Lubbock Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 7032, the “Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act,” marking a significant step in improving data access and transparency within the legislative process. The bill aims to enhance the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) authority, safeguard legislative intent, and introduce new reporting requirements.

According to CBO Director Phillip Swagel, enacting the bill will provide CBO with better and more timely access to data, thereby enhancing the precision of its work and allowing Congress to make more informed decisions. Former CBO Director Douglas W. Elmendorf also expressed support for H.R. 7032, highlighting that it would streamline CBO’s work process and enable the delivery of rigorous, fact-based analysis to Congress.

Sandy Davis, Former CBO Associate Director for Legislative Affairs, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill, noting that the unanimous vote in the House Budget Committee reflects a commitment to strengthening Congress's institutional capacity. Davis believes that H.R. 7032 is essential in protecting Congress’s power of the purse under Article I of the Constitution.

Doug Holtz-Eakin, another Former CBO Director, commended the successful vote in the Budget Committee, stating that the clarification of CBO’s authority to request and receive data will enhance the agency’s ability to support Congress's deliberations.

Various organizations have also voiced their support for H.R. 7032. The Economic Policy Innovation Center praised the bill for improving CBO's data access while ensuring confidentiality and reporting requirements. The Bipartisan Policy Center welcomed the reforms proposed by the bill, highlighting the need to update the congressional budget process for present-day challenges.

In conclusion, stakeholders and experts agree that the Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act is a crucial step towards providing lawmakers with accurate and timely information to make informed budgetary decisions. The bill's passage is seen as a bipartisan effort to strengthen congressional oversight and improve the efficiency of the legislative process.