When I had someone ask me the other day how it is possible that no budget has been passed, ever, during the Obama years,
I didn’t know what to say - they just keep passing these continuing resolutions to keep the gov’t funded and pass omnibus spending bills, but no budget. Isn’t it Constitutionally required? Is this just another example of simply ignoring Constitutional requirements?
It is not Constitutionally required to “pass a budget.” The only references are:
Article I Section. 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives;
Article I Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;
Nothing about a budget. The “continuing resolutions” are Constitutional. But that doesn’t mean they are sound fiscal policy.