Basic Federal Budgeting Concepts and Terminology

The federal budget process typically involves a rather complex series of legislative and executive procedures and various financial transactions. photo credit: Evelyn Proimos The term Revenue refers to income that is received by the federal government. (The executive branch also uses receipts as a term for revenue.) Revenue may be raised from a variety of … Read more

The President’s Budget – 1-day course in DC from TheCapitol.Net

The President’s Budget This course, held each year in mid-February, focuses on the President’s next fiscal year budget proposal released in early February. Our faculty discuss the policy initiatives of the President and how Congress will respond to them. photo credit: 4nitsirk Attendees participate in a comprehensive overview and analysis of the President’s most current … Read more

The Annual Budget and Appropriations Processes

The president submits a proposed budget to Congress on the first Monday in February, although there can be some flexibility regarding the actual date of this submission. photo credit: mackarus Known as the President’s Budget, this request to Congress is used as the basis for reports prepared by congressional budget committee members and staff. Appropriations … Read more

Rise / Rise and Report (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Rise: In order only in the Committee of the Whole during the amendment stage, it has the effect of terminating or suspending debate on the pending matter. Rise and Report: Term to refer to the culmination of proceedings in the Committee of the Whole. The … Read more

Capitol Hill Workshop – 3-day Legislative-Executive Workshop in Washington, DC

Capitol Hill Workshop: Politics, Policy, and Process In this engaging workshop and seminar on legislative operations, Washington-based experts focus on these 3 P’s. They discuss the policy-making process and the legislative agenda, help you understand the congressional budget process, and demystify the culture of the U.S. Congress. photo credit: Benurs – Learning and learning… You … Read more

The President’s Budget – 1-day course in DC from TheCapitol.Net

The President’s Budget This course, held each year in mid-February, focuses on the President’s next fiscal year budget proposal released in early February. Our faculty discuss the policy initiatives of the President and how Congress will respond to them. photo credit: espensorvik Attendees participate in a comprehensive overview and analysis of the President’s most current … Read more

A Guide to Reconciliation Legislation

Congress has utilized reconciliation more often than not, beginning in 1980. This special type of legislation is often used for implementing significant budget policies and for bringing existing revenue and spending law in line with policies in a budget resolution. Although reconciliation is an entirely optional process, it has been increasingly used in recent years. … Read more

Reapportionment and Redistricting (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Reapportionment and Redistricting Every ten years, following the decennial census, seats in the House are reapportioned among the states based on each state’s population relative to the other states. Also see Apportionment (CongressionalGlossary.com) and Reapportionment / Redistricting (CongressionalGlossary.com)   Reapportionment and Redistricting 3/23/2012   Under … Read more

How Legislators Make Decisions

Congress is both slow and deliberative, by design. When the new government was established in 1789, it was created through the rather elaborate use of a system of checks and balances that were meant to ensure that no single section of government would be able to dominate the process. Although this system can be frustrating, … Read more