Porter Goss: “House Resolution 446 is a structured rule, which is fairly typical for bringing forward the annual congressional budget…”

“House Resolution 446 is a structured rule, which is fairly typical for bringing forward the annual congressional budget resolution. For a number of years, we have gotten into the very good habit of managing debate on the budget by asking that all amendments be drafted in the form of substitutes so that Members could consider the whole picture as we debate and weigh our spending priorities. This rule continues that tradition and wisely so. We have gone to great lengths with this rule to juggle the competing needs of having a full debate on a range of issues and perspectives without allowing the process to become so unwieldy that it breaks down of its own weight. In that regard, I think the rule is fair in making in order five substitute amendments reflecting an array of points of view. Specifically, the rule provides for 3 hours of general debate, with 1 hour specifically designated for discussion of economic goals and policies as described by the Humphrey-Hawkins provisions of the current law.”