A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2027 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2028 through 2036.

Enumerated powers · passes

Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, and to provide for the common defense and general welfare. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 requires appropriations by law. The budget resolution is a congressional exercise of these powers, setting overall fiscal parameters and directing committees to propose legislation. It does not exceed enumerated powers because it is a procedural framework for exercising Congress's constitutional authority over spending and revenue.

Bill of Rights · passes

The resolution does not directly infringe on any of the first ten amendments. It does not regulate speech, religion, assembly, press, petition, arms, quartering, searches, seizures, self-incrimination, due process, takings, trial rights, or cruel and unusual punishment. Its provisions are budgetary and procedural, not rights-restricting.

Individual liberty · passes

The resolution does not directly restrict individual liberty, property, speech, labor, or belief. It sets budget levels and instructs committees to propose legislation, but any actual restrictions would come from subsequent legislation, which would be subject to separate constitutional review. The resolution itself does not impose mandates or prohibitions on individuals.

Decentralization · raises concerns · severity: minor

The resolution fails the decentralization test because it consolidates decision-making at the federal level for a wide range of spending and revenue matters. While the federal government has constitutional authority over its own budget, the resolution's scope includes many areas that could be handled by states or localities, and it sets national priorities that preempt or influence state and local choices. However, it does not directly violate the Tenth Amendment because it is a congressional internal procedure, not a command to states.

Due process and takings · passes

The resolution does not take property or bypass due process. It is a legislative framework that will be followed by subsequent legislation, which must comply with the Fifth Amendment's Due Process and Takings Clauses. The reconciliation process, while expedited, still requires committee action, floor votes, and presidential approval (or veto override) for any resulting legislation, providing adequate procedural safeguards.