U.S. Rep. Womack selected to co-lead bipartisan, bicameral budget panel

Last week, Congressional leaders announced a bipartisan, bicameral committee to work on updating the federal budget process. On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, chairman of the House Budget Committee, was selected as the Republican chair of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform.

The group of 16 House and Senate members from across the political spectrum is charged with identifying and recommending reforms to the budget process, which operates under the 1974 Budget Reconciliation Act.

Womack and other members of Congress have advocated for an update to the 44-year old law arguing that it has been one of the reasons for a breakdown in Congress being able to pass an annual budget. The federal budget has been funded for several years on a continuing resolution process.

“It is truly an honor to be chosen to lead this important panel,” Womack said. “The formation of this select committee represents a unique opportunity to discuss and develop responsible solutions that are not only bicameral but truly bipartisan. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I am optimistic that together we can make our government function better for the American people.”

Womack, who also serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, discussed at great length his thoughts on the budget process in a recent Talk Business & Politics interview.