Congressional Budget Office

Written by Jonathan Milner

Definition

A nonpartisan agency of Congress, created in 1974, that analyzes the budget and estimates what proposed laws would cost.

Example

Before major votes, CBO publishes a "score" estimating how a bill would change federal spending, revenue, and deficits over 10 years.

 

Questions

  1. Define the Congressional Budget Office and identify when it was created.

  2. Explain why it matters that CBO is nonpartisan.

  3. Describe what it means when CBO "scores" a bill.

  4. Explain how CBO gives Congress a check on the president's budget numbers.

  5. Explain the difference between CBO and OMB.

  6. Identify one reason members of Congress sometimes criticize CBO estimates.

  7. Describe how CBO estimates can influence whether a bill passes.

  8. Should lawmakers be required to follow CBO cost estimates? Explain.

  9. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept Congressional Budget Office?

  10. Translate Congressional Budget Office into plain English.

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw the Congressional Budget Office! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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Federal Register
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Office of Management and Budget