Rapid Response Info Alert: Congressional Budget Resolution Mania!

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What is a Congressional budget resolution?

• A Congressional budget resolution is a blueprint on how the government plans to allocate funds each year for various programs, services, and agencies.
• If the House and Senate approve different budget resolutions, negotiators from both chambers meet in a conference committee to reach a final agreement.
• Budget resolutions do not require the President’s signature.

What are the key provisions of each chamber’s budget resolution?

• On February 21, 2025, the Senate passed their version of a budget resolution by a vote of 52 to 48.
  • It requires Congressional committees to find at least $4 billion in spending cuts, including from the committee that oversees Medicaid and food assistance.

• On February 25, 2025, the House passed their own version of a budget resolution by a vote of 217 to 215.
  • It requires Congressional committees to find at least $1.5 trillion in spending
    cuts, including from the committee that oversees Medicaid and food assistance.
  • Additionally, it would extend tax cuts for the richest Americans allowing for $900
    billion in tax reductions for the ultra-wealthy.

How do these key provisions impact USW members?

• When Congress cuts Medicaid, families lose coverage and can’t afford to seek medical care. With fewer people receiving care, hospitals and clinics lay off workers, leading to job losses for Steelworkers in the healthcare industry.

• Cutting food assistance means fewer people can buy basic groceries, reducing
  demand for essential products. This hurts jobs in industries we represent – like paper
  mills that make egg cartons and other food packaging products, as well as
  metalworkers who produce food cans.

Steelworkers, stand by as we gear up to advocate for a budget resolution that works for all!