legislative timeline

Keeping up with the federal budgeting and appropriations process can feel overwhelming! While things don't always go as planned, this general timeline will help guide your advocacy efforts in the right direction throughout the year!

July-february

Budget Formation and Budget Submission

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) gives guidance to federal agencies about levels of funding and priorities. Agencies work to structure a budget proposal and the OMB makes the final decision. Generally, the President's Budget is submitted to Congress around the 1st Monday in February.

Executive Branch Process

March-june

House and Senate Budgets and Appropriations Process

The House and Senate develop their own budget resolutions to set spending levels. These will often deviate from each other as well as from the President's request. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees, through their 12 subcommittees, hold hearings to examine the budget requests and needs of federal spending programs. The House and Senate then produce appropriations bills to fund the federal government. These bills are "marked-up," amended as needed, and approved by the Appropriations Committees.

Legislative Proceedings

July-october

Floor Consideration and
Final Passage

After approval by the Appropriations Committees, the bills head to the House and Senate floors where they may be further amended and eventually passed. Once a final bill has been negotiated between the two chambers, it must then pass the House and Senate and be signed by the President.

Finalization
in Congress

State Advocacy Resources