In a recent government meeting, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) addressed significant challenges and opportunities regarding its budgetary baselines and the evaluation of improper payments. Dr. Dirk Swagel, the CBO director, highlighted that the agency has not released three budget baselines in a single year since 2019, attributing this to the irregular pace of congressional action on appropriations and the budget process. He emphasized that a return to a regular schedule would enhance the CBO's ability to provide timely and relevant information to Congress, ultimately improving legislative support.

Dr. Swagel noted that delays in receiving timely data from the executive branch, particularly regarding the President's budget, hinder the CBO's ability to update its baselines effectively. He urged the Senate to expedite its processes to facilitate better coordination and timely updates.

The discussion also touched on the CBO's efforts to reduce improper payments, with Dr. Swagel referencing the bipartisan Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act passed by the budget committee. He acknowledged the challenges the CBO faces in assessing improper payment rates due to the executive branch's inconsistent reporting.

Furthermore, Dr. Swagel discussed the importance of access to government data for both the CBO and outside researchers, noting recent legislative changes that would improve data access. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of external researchers, citing their role in informing CBO analyses, particularly in health-related programs.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the CBO's accountability for its financial projections, as Dr. Swagel faced scrutiny over past inaccuracies in revenue and deficit estimations during his tenure. He reaffirmed that the responsibility for the agency's outputs rests solely with the CBO, underscoring the need for continuous improvement in its forecasting capabilities.