OPINION:
A century ago, President Calvin Coolidge praised the importance of federal budgeting, calling it a “noble monument of virtue.” For 50 years, the1921 Budget Control Act allowed U.S. presidents to guide congressional spending effectively. However, the 1974 budget law shifted this power to Congress, leading to inefficiencies and excessive spending.
Today, Congress spends disproportionate time arguing over budgets, neglecting its primary duties (“Republicans are marching ahead with a government funding bill despite Democratic opposition,” Web, March 11). The current process excludes the president from meaningful participation after submitting a budget proposal, resulting in chaotic and unrestrained spending.
Reforming the budget process to include the president would incentivize both branches to create responsible financial plans. This change would address the systemic issues causing runaway spending, and it would restore accountability.
Deal President Trump back into the budget game, Congress. If his budget is adopted by default, he will be accountable for congressional spending under his plan — a necessary reform for our financial disorder.
DENNIS TETI
Professor, American Political Thought
Institute of World Politics
Reston, Virginia
Please read our comment policy before commenting.