# Congress has only done its job four times since 1945

> The federal budget process is broken, and it's costing America trillions in debt.
- Title: Congress has only done its job four times since 1945 · Fortune
- Summary: The federal budget process is broken, and it's costing America trillions in debt. Congress has failed to pass annual appropriations bills on time for 30…
- Keywords: congress, federal budget, appropriations bills, fiscal dysfunction, national debt, continuing resolution, budget reform, constitutional amendment, debt ceiling, fiscal commission, only, done
- Source: Fortune — https://fortune.com/2026/09/17/congress-dysfunction-national-debt-august-recess-appropriations-bills
- Author: Steve H. Hanke
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: congress, federal budget, appropriations bills, fiscal dysfunction, national debt, continuing resolution, budget reform, constitutional amendment, debt ceiling, fiscal commission
## Congress skips its main job
For 30 years straight, Congress has failed to pass all annual appropriations bills before the fiscal year starts. This is Congress's only constitutional responsibility, yet it's only succeeded four times since World War II.

> Congress has only delivered on its fiscal responsibilities four times since World War II.
## The can gets kicked again
Instead of passing real budgets, Congress passes temporary continuing resolutions that keep the government funded short-term. This year it took its August break without finishing its work, as usual.
## Debt spirals while Congress rests
The federal government posted a record 432 billion dollar deficit in July and crossed 40 trillion dollars in total debt in August. Unfunded liabilities now exceed 147 trillion dollars, up 11 trillion in just one year.
## No Budget, No Pay rule
Congress members should lose their paychecks if they don't pass appropriations bills on time. California adopted this rule in 2010 and now passes budgets on schedule, proving it works.
## Automatic spending caps needed
Over 75 percent of federal spending runs on autopilot, up from just 3 percent in 1913. Congress needs annual spending caps on everything except Social Security and debt interest to regain control.
## Replace debt ceiling with GDP limit
The debt ceiling has failed to constrain spending. A constitutional amendment should replace it with a debt-to-GDP ratio limit of 110 to 120 percent, with a target of 90 percent over 10 to 15 years.
## States must force the issue
Since Congress won't act, states should invoke Article V to force a limited constitutional convention on fiscal responsibility. Two-thirds of states have already requested this since 1979.
## Bipartisan commission needed
A statutory fiscal commission should engage the public with facts and solicit input on spending and revenue reforms. Bipartisan bills are pending in both the House and Senate.
## Key takeaway

Congress has failed to pass annual appropriations bills on time for 30 consecutive years, and structural reforms like a No Budget, No Pay rule and constitutional debt limits are needed to restore fiscal responsibility.