The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a nonpartisan agency that provides budgetary and economic information to Congress. Established in 1974, the CBO's main role is to assist lawmakers in making informed decisions on budgetary matters. The agency conducts objective and rigorous analyses of budget proposals, economic trends, and the long-term fiscal outlook of the United States. It plays a crucial role in shaping legislative debates by providing cost estimates for proposed legislation, evaluating the potential economic impacts of policy changes, and producing economic forecasts. Through its reports and analyses, the CBO helps lawmakers understand the potential consequences of budgetary decisions and make informed choices that align with the nation's fiscal goals.
One significant responsibility of the CBO is scoring legislation to estimate its costs and effects on the federal budget. By analyzing factors such as tax revenues, spending programs, and economic conditions, the CBO provides Congress with an impartial assessment of how proposed policies may impact the financial state of the nation. This evaluation is essential in informing legislators about the potential consequences of their decisions and enables them to consider the implications for economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and government spending. The CBO's analyses and cost estimates help Congress make more informed choices when it comes to budgeting and can also serve as a critical tool for public accountability and transparency in government decision-making.