![handle is hein.crs/crsahfw0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS20368
Updated March 20, 2008
Overview of the Congressional
Budget Process
Bill Heniff Jr.
Analyst on the Congress and Legislative Process
Government and Finance Division
The congressional budget process, in the broadest sense, consists of the consideration
and adoption of spending, revenue, and debt-limit legislation within the framework of an
annual concurrent resolution on the budget. More specifically, the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974 (Titles I-IX of P.L. 93-344, 2 U.S.C. 601-688) provides a procedural
framework for the annual adoption of a congressional budget resolution and its
enforcement through points of order and an optional reconciliation process. For more
information on the budget process, see the CRS Guides to Congressional Processes at
[http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml].
Congress begins its budget process once the President submits his budget; the
President is required by law to submit a comprehensive federal budget no later than the
first Monday in February. Congress is not bound by the President's budget, and through
its budget process may adopt budgetary legislation reflecting different priorities than the
President's.
Congressional Budget Resolution
The congressional budget resolution, the centerpiece of the congressional budget
process, sets forth aggregate spending and revenue levels, and functional levels of
spending, for the upcoming fiscal year and at least the following four fiscal years. As a
concurrent resolution, it is not presented to the President for his signature, and, thus, does
not become law. By setting forth a comprehensive statement of congressional priorities
on budgetary matters, however, the budget resolution provides a framework for
subsequent legislative action on the budget during each congressional session.
The House and Senate Budget Committees develop the congressional budget
resolution, after receiving testimony from executive branch officials, Members of
Congress, and the public, and receiving views and estimates statements from other
congressional committees with jurisdiction over spending and revenues. The
congressional budget resolution is considered under expedited procedures that limit
debate and place restrictions on amendments.](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/crsahfw0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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