[20181129]IF11032_国会的预算决策.pdf

www.crs.gov | 7-5700 November 29, 2018Budgetary Decisionmaking in CongressUnderstanding the Congressional Budget Process The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse. It does not, however, establish specific types of budgetary legislation or procedures by which Congress must consider such legislation. Instead, Congress has developed certain types of budgetary measures as well as rules and practices that govern the content and consideration of budgetary legislation under each chambers constitutional authority to “determine the Rules of its Proceedings.” There is no prescribed process, however, that must be strictly followed each year. Within the assortment of legislative opportunities available to Congress for making changes to the federal budget, great variation exists. For example, some types of legislation may create or alter programs, while other legislation provides a programs funding. Further, some legislation does not spend or collect money at all but instead reflects a budgetary plan to be implemented through subsequent legislation. When Congress uses such legislative opportunities, varying requirements and restrictions may shape their actions. These requirements