S. 4372 — No Bias in the Baseline Act

This section modifies the baseline calculation used for budget enforcement (i.e., PAYGO and sequestration) under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by (1) defining the baseline as a projection, based on current laws enacted through the applicable date and continuation of current-year levels of discretionary appropriations, of new budget authority, outlays, revenues, and surplus or deficit into the budget year and outyears; (2) assuming direct spending and receipts operate as specified in those laws; (3) excluding from the baseline resources designated as emergency requirements or provided in supplemental appropriations; and (4) prohibiting adjustments for inflation or other factors (e.g., population growth, previously allowed). The section makes conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Social Security Act to remove related references. (Thus, the baseline assumes static discretionary levels rather than inflation-adjusted growth, potentially lowering projected outlays.)