Analyzing Presidential Budget Proposals vs. Congressional Budget Decisions
The chart below shows the percent change in 2018 funding from enacting 2017 funding, by department or agency. It compares the proposed cuts by the president to the actual budget passed by Congress. Use the chart to answer the following questions about the balance of power between the president and Congress regarding budget authority.
Group 1
Study the chart provided. Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of how congressional budget authority can override presidential proposals.
Source 1.1
/ Percent Change in 2018 Funding from Enacting 2017 Funding, By Department or Agency /
Department or Agency | Proposed Change by President | Change Passed by Congress ---|---|--- Department of Defense | -13% | +47% Department of Veterans Affairs | -15% | +21% Department of Energy | -29% | +15% Department of Homeland Security | -16% | +15% Department of Health and Human Services | -21% | +12% Department of Transportation | -13% | +10% Department of Education | -11% | +7% Department of Housing and Urban Development | -14% | (small increase) Environmental Protection Agency | -31% | (no change)
Question 1a
What role do committees play in writing the budget for the Departments in the graphic?
Question 1b
What does the contrast between the president’s proposed cuts and the budget passed by Congress suggest about the power of Congress in the budget process?
Question 1c
Explain why Congress might choose to increase funding for a department even when the president proposes a cut. Provide at least one reason based on your knowledge of the legislative process or political considerations.
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