The Congressional Budget Process: A Brief Overview

James V. Saturno
Section Research Manager

The term “budget process,” when applied to the federal government, actually refers to a number of processes that have evolved separately and that occur with varying degrees of coordination. This overview, and the accompanying flow chart, are intended to describe in brief each of the parts of the budget process that involve Congress, clarify the role played by each, and explain how they operate together. They include the President’s budget submission, the budget resolution, reconciliation, sequestration, authorizations, and appropriations.


Date of Report: August 22, 2011
Number of Pages: 10
Order Number: RS20095
Price: $29.95

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