S. 181 — A bill to require agencies submit zero-based budgets.

This section defines "agency" as having the meaning given in 5 U.S.C. §551 and "zero-based budget" as a systematic budget analysis in which managers examine current objectives, operations, and costs; consider alternative ways of carrying out programs or activities; and rank programs or activities by order of importance. It requires each agency to submit a zero-based budget every sixth year to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the congressional budget committees covering the next fiscal year and four ensuing fiscal years. Additionally, it requires each agency except the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration to submit recommendations for congressional cuts or reductions in discretionary spending totaling at least 2% from the previous year's appropriation levels.