§643 Determinations and Points of Order

Summary

The House or Senate Budget Committee must provide the estimates that set the yearly levels for new budget authority, outlays, direct spending, new entitlement authority, and revenues used under these budget rules. In the Senate, members may not consider any bill, amendment, motion, or conference report that would push spending past the discretionary limits in section 251(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. That rule does not apply if Congress has declared war or a joint resolution under section 258 of that Act is in effect. The Senate also may not adopt a budget resolution or amendment if total outlays would exceed recommended federal revenues by more than the Act’s maximum deficit amount for the year. A point of order cannot be raised while an amendment that would fix the problem is still pending. If a point of order against an amendment between the Houses is sustained, the Senate is treated as disagreeing to it. If a point of order against a bill or resolution is sustained, the presiding officer must send it back to the proper committee.