Budget News -- Jan. 1, 2000 -- Dec. 31, 2000

The following are federal budget policy analyses and updates from OMB Watch issued during 2000.

The following are federal budget policy analyses and updates from OMB Watch issued during 2000.

The following are federal budget policy analyses and updates from OMB Watch issued during 2000.

New Federal Budget Surplus Figures Released (10/26/00):

On October 26th, President Clinton announced new information released by the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of the Treasury about the federal budget surplus for FY 2000 (October 1999 through September 2000). The federal budget surplus for FY 2000 was $237 billion, the largest surplus ever as compared with the overall Gross Domestic Product (2.4% of GDP) and considerably more than has been previously predicted.
See CBO's Monthly Budget Review for more detail

Debt "Relief" Passes House (9/19/00):

Yesterday evening, the House passed the Debt Relief Lock-Box Reconciliation Act for FY 2001 (HR 5173) almost unanimously, with well more than the required two-thirds majority. The bill sets aside $42 billion of the FY 2001 non-Social Security surplus in a special account (the "Public Debt Reduction Payment Account") to be used only for debt reduction.

What Should We Do With the Budget Surplus? (8/11/00):

This discussion of alternatives on how to use the federal budget surplus compares the outcomes of tax cuts, debt reduction, domestic investment, and military investment. Read our analysis.

OMB's Mid-Session Budget Review (6/28/00):

The Office of Management and Budget today released its Mid-Session Review of the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget, which includes greatly increased estimates of the federal budget surplus. The President's plan is mixed on how much will be used to pay down the debt and how much will be invested in strengthening domestic programs. Read a brief summary of proposed uses for the surplus.

Nussle-Cardin Budget Process Bill to be Debated in the House (5/15/00):

A modified version of the earlier Nussle-Cardin budget process bill, which proposes substantial changes to the way the federal budget is made, is expected to be debated on the House floor this week. Several amendments, including biennial budgeting, are expected.

2001 Appropriations Updates (5/11/00):

House Passes Internet Tax Moratorium (5/11/00)

On May 10, 2000, the House voted 352-75 to extend a moratorium on Internet-specific taxes for five years, until Oct. 1, 2006. H.R. 3709 would prohibit the imposition of new taxes on access to the Internet and prevent taxes that end up as "multiple" or "discriminatory" taxes on Internet use. A non-binding resolution offered by Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) was passed (289-138) that provides a description of what states need to do to impose a sales tax that would not be "multiple" or "discriminatory." This bill has enormous implications for limiting sales tax. More information

Istook Amendment to H.R. 3709 (5/10/00):

Amendment to the Internet sales tax moratorium HR 3709, passed 289-139.

A chart comparing the House and Senate versions of FY2001 Appropriations spending levels to this year's levels. (5/8/00)

FY 2001 Congressional Budget Resolution (3/20/00):

H. CON. RES. 290, Report No. 106-530, Concurrent Resolution

The President's Budget for FY 2001(2/9/00):

President Clinton released his FY 2001 budget on February 7, 2000. While the budget proposal is being attacked by conservatives as heralding the return of the era of big government and more government spending, the reality is quite the opposite. Read our analysis

Winners and Losers in the President’s Budget (2/8/00)

back to Blog