Congressional Budget Process Course

Module 1: Overview of the Budget Process

• Understand the separation of powers and the constitutional foundation of budget authority
• Review the evolution of the federal budget and financial management structure
• Explore the purposes of the federal budget and how Congress fits into the overall process
• Analyze the size, composition, and trends in federal receipts and expenditures

Module 2: Basic Budget Concepts

• Examine how Congress provides authority to spend and types of budgetary authority
• Differentiate between budget authority, obligations, and outlays
• Explore mandatory vs. discretionary spending and the concept of budget baselines
• Understand the federal debt limit and its impact on fiscal policy

Module 3: The Congressional Budget Process

• Understand the composition, leadership, and legislative process in Congress
• Explore the roles of authorization and appropriation committees and subcommittees
• Learn about budget resolutions, authorization acts, and appropriation acts
• Examine the types of appropriations and the use of continuing resolutions

Module 4: Reconciliation and Budget Enforcement

• Understand the reconciliation process and its legislative function
• Explore the Byrd Rule and its role in preventing extraneous provisions
• Learn about sequestration and its use in deficit reduction enforcement
• Analyze how omnibus reconciliation bills are considered and enacted

Module 5: Principal Organizations Providing Support to Congress

• Identify the functions of the Congressional Budget Office and Government Accountability Office
• Understand the role of the Congressional Research Service and Inspectors General
• Learn about the Government Publishing Office and the Congressional Record

Module 6: Course Summary

• Recap the legislative framework and evolution of the budget process
• Summarize the roles of Congress in shaping and enacting the federal budget
• Highlight major laws, processes, and enforcement mechanisms governing budget legislation