Hate the Game

The next CBO score could derail the president’s agenda. The agency has too much influence over public policy. But don't hate the players.

The wait is over. Late Friday night, the House passed the bipartisan infrastructure (BIF) bill, which is now on its way to President Biden’s desk. The package will deliver—over the next five years—$550 billion in new federal spending to upgrade and build out America’s electric grid, water systems, broadband, roads, bridges, ports, mass transit, EV charging stations, rail, airports, and more.

I would have preferred a single robust package that included as much of the president’s agenda as possible, but that is water under the soon-to-be-refurbished bridge. The BIF has passed, and it will deliver benefits in the form of jobs, income, and improved public infrastructure.

When Biden affixes his John Hancock to that legislation, he will be signing a bill that adds an estimated $256 billion to the deficit, according to the budget score complied by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

I couldn’t care less about the fiscal impacts of the bill. And democrats shouldn’t either.¹ Unfortunately, the White House is doubling down on the destructive “pay-for” game.

It’s a move they may live to regret.