Advanced Budget and Appropriations Process
The formulation and enactment of the annual federal budget is a highly complex process involving thousands of individuals in both the executive and legislative branches. Both the House and the Senate must pass an annual Budget Resolution (or a substitute), as well as the twelve annual appropriations measures either individually or in omnibus packages. But the process begins when an individual program manager prepares a budget request and a justification for that request within their department or agency.
This two-day class is designed to provide an understanding of the entire budget and appropriations process, from OMB decisions to each stage of congressional action. It is ideal for agency personnel who participate in formulating budget requests, non-government personnel who track and engage with the annual funding cycle, and anyone who needs a deeper familiarity with the process and its impact on government programs, policies and priorities.
Participants will hear from GAI’s experts, current and former appropriations staffers, OMB speakers and reporters covering the federal budget process.
Topics include:
- OMB budget review, hearings, and passback
- The formulation of the president’s budget and its submission to Congress
- The Budget Resolution and the role of the Budget Committees
- The reconciliation process
- Appropriations legislation including hearings and markups
- The politics of congressional spending decisions and the budget process
Note: This is NOT an Appropriations Law class
Target Audience:
Individuals who participate in any phase of their agency’s budget process, program managers, and others who contribute to the formulation or justification of the budget; as well as individuals who may assist in preparing their agency’s submission to OMB.
Participants should have a firm grasp of contemporary congressional organization and procedures before enrolling in this course. For those who do not, we highly recommend taking our Congressional Operations Seminar before taking this course.
Meets OPM’s Executive Core Qualifications 1 and 4
Dates:
June 25 – 26, 2025
October 29 – 30, 2025
Tuition: $1,300
