An Analysis of Possible Federal Budget Process Reforms
Abstract
The Federal budget process has been in continual evolution since the first days of the Republic. Control has periodically shifted from the Executive Branch to the Legislature, and then back again. The only real constant in the process has been change. The current budget process is based on the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. The need for further change has been expressed by many, both within and external to the budget process. The second chapter is a chronological look at the evolution of the budget process. Each of these reform suggestions, a total of seventeen, is discussed in this thesis as to substance and their potential for acceptance. The final chapter presents conclusions as to the prevailing mood in Congress for reform and which proposals stand the best chance of adoption. The final conclusion is that major reform is unlikely in this election year and doubtful in the near future. Too many divergent interests in Congress would have to agree on any changes. Opinion on what, if anything, must be done to improve the budget process is far from unanimous.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA148424
Entities
People
- W. R. Lantz
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology