Amid its debate of proposals to address the massive budget deficit, the President’s “Fiscal Commission” also has discussed changes to the budget process itself.

The idea of Congress adopting a “biennial budgeting” schedule is not new, but it’s again gaining steam – likely in response to the House’s historic budget failure this year, as well as the full Congress’ failure to pass a budget four out of the past 10 years (2010, 2006, 2004, and 2002).

While various biennial budgeting proposals may differ in specifics, each involves Congress shifting from the current yearly process — as laid out in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 — to a two-year process.

As OMB Watch notes, a key benefit of biennial budget is that it would free up lawmakers’ time, and allow them to focus more on budget implementation and oversight.

But as the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities outlines here, biennial budgeting also has its drawbacks — including the likelihood Congress would have to revise the budget often to deal with unforeseen events or emergencies (hurricanes, defense needs, etc.).

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