# Understanding the RAFT Act of 2021

This bill creates a new system to force Congress to address the national debt by setting specific targets and creating consequences if those targets aren't met. Here's what it actually does and why it matters.

Every other year, Congress creates a budget plan that includes a target for how much debt the country should have compared to the size of the economy (called the debt-to-GDP ratio). Right now, Congress sets these targets but there's no real mechanism to enforce them. This bill changes that by requiring Congress to either make specific changes to existing laws to hit the target, or establish a special committee to figure out how to do it. If Congress doesn't act, the bill creates an expedited process that makes it harder to block or delay the debt-reduction legislation—essentially forcing a vote on it more quickly than normal.

The bill creates a "Joint Select Committee on Fiscal Responsibility" that would kick in if Congress fails to pass debt-reduction legislation through the normal budget process. This committee would have 16 members (split equally between parties and chambers) and would be required to propose specific changes to laws—like adjusting spending or revenues—to meet the debt target. Their recommendations would then go through a fast-track process in Congress with limited debate time and fewer opportunities to amend or block the bill. Importantly, the committee's proposals would only need a simple majority to pass in the House but would require a three-fifths supermajority in the Senate, making it harder to pass but still more achievable than a full filibuster.

The practical effect is that this bill removes some of Congress's ability to ignore the national debt problem. Instead of setting targets that get forgotten, Congress would face real pressure to either make tough choices about spending and taxes, or have those choices made for them by a special committee using a streamlined process. Whether you see this as necessary fiscal discipline or an unwelcome constraint on Congress's flexibility likely depends on your views about government spending and debt.

RAFT Act of 2021

Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]

Reforming America's Fiscal Toolkit Act of 2021 or the RAFT Act of 2021 This bill modifies the federal budget process to provide for the establishment of a target for the ratio of the public debt to the estimated gross domestic product (GDP). Specifically, the bill requires congressional budget resolutions to include a recommended ratio of public debt to GDP. In addition, congressional budget resolutions for even-numbered fiscal years must either (1) instruct one or more congressional committees to recommend changes in existing laws necessary to achieve the target ratio, or (2) request the establishment of a Joint Select Committee on Fiscal Responsibility to make the recommendations. The bill also sets forth requirements for (1) establishing the Joint Select Committee on Fiscal Responsibility if it is requested, and (2) considering the recommendations of the joint committee or other congressional committees using expedited legislative procedures in the Senate.