Created in 1974 when Congress rebuilt its budget process after President Nixon impounded appropriated funds. Its ten-year cost estimates determine what fits within budget rules, so a single score can sink or save a bill.
Open the interactive page for CBO →Created byCongressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, P.L. 93-344
Head appointed2 U.S.C. § 601(a)(2)–(3): Director appointed jointly by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, after considering recommendations of the House and Senate Budget Committees, without regard to political affiliation; 4-year term expiring January 3 of the year before a presidential-election year; no Senate confirmation (congressional appointment)
Removal standard2 U.S.C. § 601(a)(4): 'The Director may be removed by either House by resolution' — no presidential role
Funded underannual Legislative Branch Appropriations Act
Congressional oversightHouse Budget · Senate Budget
Inspector generalnone — no statutory IG; CBO receives annual financial-statement audits by an independent public accounting firm, with oversight by the Budget and Legislative Branch Appropriations panels
Judicial reviewNot an 'agency' under the APA or FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 551(1)(A) excludes Congress and its support arms); cost estimates and baselines are not judicially reviewable
Indirect: CBO's role is informational. Its cost estimates are public and serve as the neutral baseline in the budget debates you vote on through Congress.
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