Summary
For the first time since FY 2010, Congress has adopted a concurrent budget resolution. While the budget resolution is not law and is not signed by the president, it provides a blueprint that guides the legislative budget process.
Of note, the conference agreement adheres to the defense and non-defense discretionary spending caps included in the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) for fiscal year (FY) 2016. However, it provides additional funding for defense through the uncapped Oversees Contingency Operations (OCO) account. It also includes reconciliation instructions to House and Senate authorizing committees with oversight of health care to report deficit-reducing legislation by July 24 that overhauls the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This Budget Brief provides an overview of the congressional budget process and highlights major provisions included in the concurrent budget resolution.