President’s Budget Request:

The president is required by law to submit a proposed budget to Congress by the first Monday in February for the following fiscal year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30). The president’s budget requests specific levels of funding for federal government programs and is prepared in consultation with various executive branch agencies and departments. The budget the president submits to Congress simply outlines the Administration’s priorities and proposals; the authority to appropriate funds lies with Congress.

Congressional Budget Resolution:

After the president submits a budget, the budget committees in the House and Senate will review the Administration’s proposed budget and develop a budget resolution that reflects congressional spending priorities.

The budget resolution, which is not binding, is intended to be a blueprint for the appropriations committees and includes targets for total spending, total revenues, and the deficit, as well as allocations, within the spending target, for discretionary and mandatory spending

Appropriations Committee Action:

After the budget resolutions have been passed, the appropriations committees begin work on funding for individual departments and programs. With 13 appropriations bills to be passed annually, there are several subcommittees focusing on specific appropriations legislation. Funding for the Fulbright Program and other international educational and cultural exchanges is included in the appropriation for the Department of State.

Resolving Differences:

The Senate and the House will each pass its own version of each appropriations bill. Members of each appropriations committee will then meet together in conference to reconcile differences between the two bills. The reconciled bill will then be voted on in the respective chambers and sent to the president for his signature. The period before the conference committee meets is a critical time to contact participating members to reinforce your message of support for the Fulbright Program.

Final Action:

If the president vetoes the bill, then members of Congress enter into negotiations with the Administration to create a bill acceptable to all parties. Although the fiscal year officially begins on Oct. 1, the appropriations process can continue through November and even December. During an election year, however, the legislative calendar can be abbreviated, with members running for re-election returning to their districts to campaign.