A Democratic bill with 6 Republican cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Sustainable Budget Act of 2025," establishes a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. The commission is composed of 18 members appointed by the President and various congressional leaders. Its primary duty is to identify policies to improve the medium-term fiscal situation and achieve long-term fiscal sustainability. Specifically, it must propose recommendations to balance the budget, excluding interest on debt, within a 10-year period. Following the commission's report, the President is required to submit a proposed joint resolution to implement these recommendations. The bill also outlines an expedited legislative process for the consideration of this joint resolution in both the House and the Senate.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill mandates the Commission to propose recommendations to balance the budget and stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio within 10 years.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the Commission to maintain a website with recommendations and records of member attendance available to the public.
- Scored +2
Would high-income households be better off under this?
The focus on fiscal sustainability and debt reduction may create a more stable long-term economic environment for high-income individuals.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The Commission is explicitly tasked with addressing the growth of entitlement spending and finding ways to balance the budget.
- Scored -4
Would retired people be better off under this?
The bill's requirement to address the growth of entitlement spending could lead to changes in benefits for retirees.
- Scored -4
Does this strengthen Social Security?
The bill requires the Commission to propose changes to address the growth of entitlement spending, which often includes Social Security.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Fiscal Sustainability: The commission is tasked with finding ways to improve the long-term fiscal outlook and stabilize the debt-s-GDP ratio at an acceptable level (Section 2(e)). This could provide long-term economic stability for the country.
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Addressing Entitlement Growth: The bill requires recommendations that address the growth of entitlement spending and the gap between projected revenues and expenditures (Section 2(e)). This aims to manage the long-term financial health of the government.
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Transparency through Public Access: The commission must establish a website that includes its recommendations and records of member attendance, which must be published within 72 hours of a meeting (Section 2(g)). This allows the public to track the commission's work.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Budget Balancing Burdens: The commission is required to propose recommendations to balance the budget, excluding interest on debt, within a 10-year period (Section 2(e)). Depending on the recommendations, this could involve changes that impact individuals or groups.
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Potential Program Reductions: The President's special message may identify specific programs that should be eliminated or consolidated (Section 3(c)). This could lead to the loss of certain government services or benefits.
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Limited Legislative Modification: The proposed joint resolution is not subject to amendment in either the House or the Senate (Section 4(d)). This means lawmakers cannot change the specific details of the recommendations before voting on them.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would high-income households be better off under this? — The focus on fiscal sustainability and debt reduction may create a more stable long-term economic environment for high-income individuals. Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill's requirement to address the growth of entitlement spending could lead to changes in benefits for retirees. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The mandate to address entitlement spending may result in reductions to social safety net programs that benefit low-income households.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill requires the Commission to propose changes to address the growth of entitlement spending, which often includes Social Security.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Commission to maintain a website with recommendations and records of member attendance available to the public.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill mandates the Commission to propose recommendations to balance the budget and stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio within 10 years. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The Commission is explicitly tasked with addressing the growth of entitlement spending and finding ways to balance the budget.
- 4/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/7/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Earl CarterRepublican · Georgia
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Nick LaLotaRepublican · New York
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Steve WomackRepublican · Arkansas