Maya MacGuineas on Spending Bills, Risk of a Shutdown

The video discusses the potential for a government shutdown and compares it to a government default, emphasizing the chaotic budget process. It highlights the challenges of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the need for budget reform, and the role of a fiscal commission. The debt ceiling's impact on fiscal legislation is also analyzed, stressing the importance of reforming it to prevent default risks.

What is one of the main reasons for the potential government shutdown discussed in the video?

• A clear and strong Fiscal Responsibility Act

• Side deals weakening the Fiscal Responsibility Act

• A surplus in the national budget

• An abundance of government funding

How does a government shutdown compare to a government default according to the video?

• A shutdown is more catastrophic than a default

• A default is less severe than a shutdown

• A shutdown is less severe than a default

• Both have the same economic impact

What is one of the challenges in passing appropriations bills mentioned in the video?

• Too many budget resolutions

• Regular order in the budget process

• Excessive government funding

• Lack of oversight and timely passage

What is suggested as a potential solution to improve the budget process?

• Increasing government spending

• Eliminating all appropriations bills

• Ignoring the budget committees

• Appointing a fiscal commission

What has been a historical use of the debt ceiling according to the video?

• To reduce government oversight

• To eliminate fiscal constraints

• To help pass fiscal legislation

• To increase government spending without limits

What is one potential consequence of removing the debt ceiling entirely?

• Increased fiscal responsibility

• More government savings

• Lack of fiscal constraints

• Improved budget oversight

What is the suggested approach to reform the debt ceiling?

• Use it only during economic crises

• Remove it entirely without replacement

• Replace it with something that has fiscal constraints

• Ignore it and focus on other issues