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Background on Budget and Outlook for Nutrition and Other Programs

Both the House and Senate versions of the FY 2006 Budget Resolution require “authorizing” committees like the Agriculture Committee to make entitlement program spending cuts dictated by the Budget Resolution to programs under their jurisdictions (by June 6th in the Senate and September 16th in the House). Neither version proposes a global (overall) spending cap on entitlement programs, but the Senate Resolution would impose a three-year cap on discretionary spending and limit Congress’ ability to enact future increases in entitlement spending.

In the Agriculture Committee area, the House Budget Committee proposes a five-year cut of $5.278 billion; the Senate Budget Committee proposes a five-year cut of $2.814 billion. What, if any number will apply, will depend on the outcome on the floor and in conference committee.

While neither the House nor Senate Budget Committee Resolutions specify how the Agriculture Committees should achieve the required savings, nonbinding language adopted by the Senate Budget Committee suggests that Agriculture Committee cuts should come from limiting size of payments to farmers. News reports, however, indicate that some conservative lawmakers--particularly on the House side--are aiming for large cuts to the Food Stamp Program. At a March 11th press briefing, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) confirmed his intention to hold to the $2.8 billion five year cut to Agriculture required by the Senate Budget Committee Resolution and to spread the cuts across the three major sectors (i.e. farm, conservation and nutrition). Chairman Chambliss’ March 11th press briefing on the budget

At the same time that it calls for billions in tax cuts, including for wealthy Americans, the
House Budget “Reconciliation” instructions to the Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Energy and Commerce Committees ranged from five-year cuts of $18 to $21 billion, putting at risk funding for child nutrition programs, education, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), SSI, TANF, foster care and adoption, and other vital programs.

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Related Links:
» Take Action
» Analysis of House Budget Resolution by Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
» Analysis of Senate Budget Resolution by Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
» House Budget Committee budget resolution
» Senate Budget Committee budget resolution
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