Increasing Baseline Updates Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
- Committees
- Budget Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance fiscal transparency and provide Congress with more timely and updated budget information from both legislative and executive sources.
What it actually does
This bill mandates increased frequency and detail in budget data reporting from both the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Executive Branch. It requires the CBO to provide at least two updates to its baseline report annually, including economic data, unless directed otherwise by Budget Committee chairs. Additionally, it compels the President to submit technical budget data, including current and prior year estimates and credit reestimates, to Congress by February 1 each year.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that more frequent and detailed budget updates from the CBO and earlier technical data from the President will provide Congress with a clearer, more current financial picture. This improved information flow is expected to lead to more informed legislative decisions, better oversight of federal spending, and increased accountability regarding the nation's fiscal health.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that mandating more frequent updates could place an undue administrative burden on the CBO and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), potentially diverting resources from other critical analyses. There could also be concerns that very early budget data might be less accurate or subject to significant revisions, leading to potential confusion or misinterpretations in the legislative process.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2
CBO Baseline Updates
This section amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide at least two updates to its annual baseline report each year. At least one of these updates must include the economic data that the CBO used to calculate the projections. This requirement can be waived if the chairs of the House and Senate Budget Committees direct otherwise.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that more frequent CBO baseline updates are crucial for Congress to make informed decisions, especially given rapidly changing economic conditions. Providing economic data alongside the updates enhances transparency and allows for a deeper understanding of the projections.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that mandating additional updates could strain CBO's resources, potentially impacting the depth or quality of other analyses. They might also suggest that too frequent updates could introduce volatility into budget discussions if projections shift often.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for more current fiscal information against the potential for increased administrative burden on the CBO and the possibility that frequent updates might highlight short-term fluctuations rather than long-term trends.
Section 3
Presidential Annual Technical Budget Data Submission
This section amends title 31 of the United States Code to require the President (through the Office of Management and Budget, OMB) to submit technical budget data to Congress by February 1 of each calendar year. This submission must include up-to-date estimates for the current and prior fiscal years, as well as credit reestimates for the current year, consistent with the Federal credit supplement of the budget.