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<span>Introduction to CBO</span> </h1> </section> <section id="block-cbo-cbo-system-main" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <article id="node-104" class=""> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="365" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_IY_PM0m3OI" width="650"></iframe></p><p>Lawmakers created the Congressional Budget Office to help the Congress play a stronger role in budget matters. CBO was established by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (the Budget Act) to provide objective, nonpartisan information to support the Congressional budget process and to help the Congress make effective budget and economic policy. The agency offers an alternative to the information provided by the Office of Management and Budget and other agencies in the executive branch.</p><p>The Congress sets CBO's priorities. Under the Budget Act, CBO works for all Congressional committees, with its chief responsibility being to help the Budget Committees with the matters under their jurisdiction. Priority under the act is also given to the House and Senate Appropriations, House Ways and Means, and Senate Finance Committees. The agency also works closely with the leadership of both chambers.</p><p>Each year, the agency's economists, budget analysts, and other experts (such as demographers and engineers) fulfill thousands of requests for technical assistance, produce hundreds of cost estimates for proposed legislation, and prepare dozens of reports and other materials on a variety of topics. CBO conducts objective, impartial analysis and hires employees without regard to political affiliation. The agency does not make policy recommendations.</p><p>If you are new to the Congress or are unfamiliar with CBO, you may find yourself asking the following questions:</p><ul><li><a href="/about/products">What types of reports does CBO produce?</a></li><li><a href="/faqs#costestimates">How do I get a cost estimate?</a></li><li><a href="/faqs#policyoptions">Where can I find budget options?</a></li><li><a href="/about/contact">How do I contact CBO?</a></li></ul><p>For more information, visit our other pages in the About CBO section or read our printable brochure, <a href="/publication/60869"><em>An Introduction to the Congressional Budget Office</em></a>.</p></div> </article> </section> </section> </main> <footer id="site-footer" role="contentinfo"> <div class="footer-top-wrapper"> <section class="footer-top"> <section id="block-cbo-stayconnected" class="block block-block-content block-block-content121d8e86-2c04-4907-8bda-853870ff58b5"> <h2 >Stay Connected</h2> <div class="clearfix 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