RYAN: First Principles First
Well this is promising! The very first page of Paul Ryan's "Path to Prosperity" budget resolution is a statement of Constitutional and legal authority:
Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to appropriate funds from the Treasury, pay the obligations of and raise revenue for the federal government, and publish statements and accounts of all financial transactions.
By law, Congress is also obligated to write a budget representing its plan to carry out these transactions in the forthcoming fiscal years. While the President is required to propose his administration’s budget requests for Congress’s consideration, Congress alone is responsible for writing the laws that raise revenues, appropriate funds, and prioritize taxpayer dollars within an overall federal budget.
The budget resolution is the only legislative vehicle that views government comprehensively. It provides the framework for the consideration of other legislation. Ultimately, a budget is much more than a series of numbers. It also serves as an expression of Congress’s principles, vision and philosophy of governing.
This Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2012 intends to recommit the nation fully to the timeless principles of American government enshrined in the U.S. Constitution – liberty, limited government, and equality under the rule of law. It seeks to guide policies by those principles, freeing the nation from the crushing burden of debt that is now threatening its future.
This budget is submitted, as prescribed by law, to apply these principles, reflect this vision, and provide a framework for the orderly execution of Congress’s constitutional duties for Fiscal Year 2012 and beyond.
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Comments :
May '10
Re: RYAN: First Principles First
C'mon, it's 10 eastern already — got a link?
Re: RYAN: First Principles First
Cal,
Not sure if it's up over there yet, but here's the House Budget Committee web site. And here at Ricochet, we're cutting and pasting from the embargoed copy to break it up into nice bite-size discussion areas.
May '10
Re: RYAN: First Principles First
Here it is.
May '10
Re: RYAN: First Principles First
"Constitutional and legal authority"
What a concept! Perhaps we could see that approach more often. As you said, a promising start. Could it be that the adults have finally joined the discussion?
May '10
Re: RYAN: First Principles First
"By law, Congress is also obligated to write a budget representing its plan to carry out these transactions in the forthcoming fiscal years." I wonder if that's a subtle dig at someone?