Federal Budget Process Outline and Outlook

Congress did not complete three significant budget matters in 2012: an alternative to sequestration, full federal fiscal year appropriations legislation, and a budget resolution. Each of these items is interrelated, and expected to be taken up over the course of the next several months. They are likely to have significant implications for the FY 2014 federal funding process, and will potentially establish spending limitations and priorities for years to come.  This memorandum is intended to provide an outline for what to expect in these coming months, and, based upon statements made by House and Senate leaders, what the outlook for this process might be.