Orrin Hatch: “On March 27, 2015, the Senate functioned properly by adopting S. Con. Res. 11 on the congressional budget for the U.S.…”

“On March 27, 2015, the Senate functioned properly by adopting S. Con. Res. 11 on the congressional budget for the U.S. Government for fiscal year 2016. Section 3112 of that budget resolution contains a specification of procedures governing cost estimates for what is defined to be ``major legislation'' as defined in section 3112(c)(1). I wish to provide a few comments to clarify that section of the budget resolution, and I understand that my distinguished colleague from Oregon, Finance Committee Ranking Member Wyden, also wishes to provide separate and related comments. In setting out what is to be taken as ``major legislation,'' the budget resolution specifies that legislation may be designated to be ``major'' if the Senator or House Member who is chairman or vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation, or JCT, designates the legislation as such ``for revenue legislation.'' Of course, such language is entirely consistent with existing laws and practice, under which the responsibility and control over revenue estimates in the congressional budget process lies squarely with the chair and vice chair of the JCT.…”