President’s Budget (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms President’s Budget photo credit: Navin75 The document sent to Congress by the President in January or February of each year, as required by law (31 U.S.C. § 1105), requesting new budget authority for federal programs and estimating federal revenues and outlays for the upcoming fiscal … Read more

Budget Process (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Budget Process Established by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974, the budget process refers to the steps necessary for adoption of a concurrent resolution on the budget, thereby creating the framework for consideration of appropriations bills and authorizing legislation. The Joint Select Committee … Read more

Sequester / Sequestration (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Sequester / Sequestration photo credit: pheezy The cancellation of budgetary resources pursuant to the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990. If canceled, sequestration funds will not be available for obligation or expenditure. Sequestration may occur in response to the enactment of appropriations that cause a breach … Read more

Reconciliation / Reconciliation Instruction (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Reconciliation photo credit: Ben Sutherland Reconciliation: Process by which Congress changes existing laws to conform revenue and spending levels to the limits set in a budget resolution. Limited to twenty hours of debate in the Senate. Reconciliation Instruction: A provision within a Budget Resolution directing … Read more

Budget Resolution (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Budget Resolution photo credit: haydnseek Legislation in the form of a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget, but not requiring the president’s signature. The budget resolution establishes various budget totals, divides spending totals into functional categories (e.g., transportation), and may include reconciliation instructions to … Read more

Function / Functional Classification (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Function / Functional Classification photo credit: quinn.anya Categories of spending established for accounting purposes to keep track of specific expenditures. Each account is placed in the single function (such as national defense, agriculture, health, etc.) that best represents its major purpose, regardless of the agency … Read more

Debt Limit – A Guide to American Federal Debt Made Easy

Starring Brian Stepanek and Eddie Jemison From debtlimitusa.org More “Clearing the Air on the Debt Limit,” CRS Report R45011 (33-page PDF) Public Debt / Debt Ceiling / Debt Limit (CongressionalGlossary.com) Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations Advanced Federal Budget Process The Defense Budget The Federal Budget Process Federal Budget Links and Research Tools Related PostsStatutory Limit … Read more

Pocket Constitution

The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Amendments to the Constitution, all in a handy pocket-sized booklet. Our Pocket Constitution is available for purchase in multiples of 30 copies. Single copies are available for $5 each. Includes free copy of the Bill of Rights card from Two Seas Media. “Let’s pass a bill to … Read more

Advanced Federal Budget Process, 2-day course in Washington, DC, from TheCapitol.Net

Advanced Federal Budget Process photo credit: Mr. T in DC In this 2-day course, learn how the federal budget process really works from faculty members with years of subject-matter expertise. Study important terminology and get tips to protect your budgetary interests. We provide a comprehensive overview of current budget politics and the federal budgeting process. … Read more