Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan federal agency that provides budget and economic analysis to the U.S. Congress. It produces cost estimates for proposed legislation and economic forecasts to inform policy decisions.
Acronym established 1974 with Congressional Budget Act, created during post-Watergate government reforms. Formed from 'Congressional' (Latin congressus 'meeting'), 'Budget' (French bougette 'small bag'), and 'Office' (Latin officium 'duty, service').
The CBO's economic projections influence trillions in government spending, yet the agency operates with just 235 staff members - fewer people than many corporate accounting departments. Their reports often become political weapons, with both parties citing CBO scores when favorable and criticizing methodology when unfavorable.
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