Congress Quote by Alice Rivlin
![“One would hope that you would have a CBO director who does not let ideology get in the way of making good estimates. [Congress] values having a credible institution that they can rely on to give them the best estimates possible.” quote by Alice Rivlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/45c/alice-rivlin-42902_congress_one-would-hope-that-you-would-have-a-cbo_206249.jpg)
“One would hope that you would have a CBO director who does not let ideology get in the way of making good estimates. [Congress] values having a credible institution that they can rely on to give them the best estimates possible.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional testimony, 2010
Advocates for a non‑ideological, data‑driven chief budget officer to ensure reliable estimates.
In simple terms: A CBO director should stay objective and provide accurate forecasts.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize data over ideology.
Themes
government
budgeting
objectivity
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
policy
institutional
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- policy analysis
- legislative decision‑making
Key Concepts
public policy
economics
institutional credibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions guard against bias?
- What safeguards ensure credibility?
A Different Perspective
Political pressures can still influence estimates.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
![“As the longest serving Independent in the history of the United States Congress, as somebody who came into office by defeating an incumbent Democratic mayor in Burlington, Vermont, I know something about third party politics. And I respect Jill [Stein].” quote by Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/94c/bernie-sanders-233_congress_as-the-longest-serving-independent-in-th_10777.jpg)
