The power of the purse is often cited as central to the Framer’s design for the Legislative Branch. Each year however the modern Congress waits for the Executive Branch to complete and deliver its annual budget before beginning its own formal budgeting process. Why has this sequence developed? What are the costs and benefits for the Executive to prepare extensive budget priorities that, in recent years, are largely ignored once announced? Our panel will discuss these and other important federal budget considerations.

Featuring:

Molly Reynolds, Senior Fellow of Governance Studies, The Brookings Institution

Steve Redburn, Professorial Lecturer in Public Policy and Public Administration, George Washington University

Moderator: Anne DeCesaro, Republican Staff Director, Worker and Family Support Subcommittee, Committee on Ways and Means, US House of Representatives