The federal budget process is complex, involving a range of procedures and key individuals—some well-known, others less visible but highly influential, such as the Senate Parliamentarian. The resources below break down this process into clear, accessible sections. Start with the Federal Budget at a Glance for a comprehensive introduction, then dive into the other topics to explore the specific steps, roles, and rules that shape how our national budget is created and ultimately passed.
Deeper Dive into the Federal Budget
How the Federal Budget Is Created: A Deep Dive Into the Process
Every year, the U.S. federal government undertakes one of its most important and complex responsibilities: building the national ...
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Budget vs. Continuing Resolution
Every fall, as the leaves start to turn and the government fiscal year looms on October 1, lawmakers ...
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Omnibus Bills: What They Are, Why They’re Used, and Why They Spark Debate
Every year, Congress faces the monumental task of funding the federal government. This includes everything from the military ...
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The Parliamentarian: The Quiet Referee Shaping America’s Budget Debates
If you’ve ever watched a dramatic Senate debate unfold on TV and wondered who’s keeping all the rules ...
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Bypassing the Filibuster: How Budget Reconciliation Shapes American Policy
Budget reconciliation may sound like a dry procedural term, but in the realm of U.S. politics, it’s one ...
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Mandatory vs. Discretionary Spending: The Federal Budget’s Two Worlds
When people picture the federal budget, they often imagine Congress gathered around debating how to spend taxpayer dollars—deciding ...
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