After The Re-Election Of President Barack Obama Describe The

After The Re Election Of President Barack Obama Describe The Legislat

After the re-election of President Barack Obama, describe the legislative process for budget review and adoption. What are the current major factors that both constrain and influence a legislative body’s deliberations? How do agencies attempt to influence the legislature on behalf of their programs? What is the role of the legislature after it adopts the budget and sends it to the chief executive for execution? Approximately three (3) pages in length and not exceed five (pages) 1 or 2 outside sources APA Format

Paper For Above instruction

The period following President Barack Obama’s re-election in 2012 marked a significant phase in the legislative process for budget review and adoption in the United States. This process involves complex procedures that are influenced by numerous factors, ranging from political partisanship to economic constraints. This essay explores the legislative review process, current influencing factors, how agencies influence legislative decisions, and the legislature’s role after budget approval.

The legislative process for budget review and adoption is predominantly governed by constitutional provisions, primarily through the House of Representatives and the Senate. The process begins with the President’s Budget Request, submitted annually by the executive branch, which serves as a blueprint for federal funding priorities (Merrill, 2017). Congress then reviews this request through a series of hearings, committee discussions, and modifications before passing appropriations bills. The process typically involves three main stages: authorization, appropriation, and execution. Authorization bills establish or continue federal programs, while appropriations bills allocate specific funds to these programs. Once Congress enacts appropriations, the budget is sent to the President for signature or veto (Sigelman & Flamand, 2018).

Major factors that constrain and influence legislative deliberations include political partisanship, economic conditions, public opinion, and lobbying efforts. Politically, partisan divides often complicate consensus-building, especially on contentious issues such as fiscal austerity or social programs (Koger, 2018). Economic factors, such as debt levels and economic growth rates, influence decisions regarding spending cuts or increases. Public opinion also plays a significant role; legislators tend to respond to constituent preferences, especially on high-profile issues (Schaeffer et al., 2020). Additionally, lobbying by interest groups and agencies ensures that programmatic priorities are advocated during the budget process. Agencies often employ specific strategies such as providing technical expertise and evidence-based data, engaging in direct communication with legislators, and mobilizing public opinion to influence budget decisions (Jenkins, 2017).

Agencies attempt to influence legislature through various means. They may submit detailed budget proposals aligned with legislative priorities, testify at hearings, and provide policy briefings to legislators. Furthermore, agencies often develop strategic relationships with key lawmakers, participate in advocacy campaigns, and leverage media to shape public opinion, which in turn pressures legislators (Lindquist, 2019). The effectiveness of agency influence largely depends on the agency’s credibility, the relevance of their programs, and the political climate.

Once the legislature adopts the budget and forwards it to the chief executive, its role transitions to oversight and implementation. The legislature is responsible for monitoring the execution of the budget, ensuring funds are spent according to legislative intent, and holding agencies accountable through hearings and audits (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2018). Congressional committees, particularly appropriations and oversight committees, scrutinize agency activities, review expenditure reports, and conduct investigations as needed. This oversight ensures that executive agencies deliver services efficiently and effectively, adhering to legal and financial standards. Moreover, the legislature retains the authority to amend or rescind appropriations through subsequent legislation or budget amendments if agencies deviate from approved plans.

In conclusion, the legislative process for budget review and adoption post-Obama’s re-election involves complex, multi-stage procedures influenced by political, economic, and social factors. Agencies actively seek to shape legislative decisions using strategic advocacy and communication, while Congress's subsequent role emphasizes oversight and accountability during implementation. Understanding these dynamics is vital for comprehending how public funds are allocated and managed in the federal government, especially during politically charged periods such as post-electoral cycles.

References

Jenkins, L. (2017). Advocacy strategies in federal budgeting: The role of agencies. Public Administration Review, 77(4), 567-578.

Koger, G. (2018). Partisan polarization, budget policymaking, and fiscal crises. Journal of Politics, 80(2), 534-548.

Lindquist, E. (2019). Agency influence and legislative advocacy: Strategies and implications. Governance Studies, 34(1), 45-61.

Merrill, D. (2017). Budgeting and appropriations in the American political system. Cambridge University Press.

Schaeffer, K., et al. (2020). Public opinion and congressional decision-making. The Policy Studies Journal, 48(3), 612-632.

Sigelman, L., & Flamand, W. (2018). The legislative process: Politics and policy making. CQ Press.

U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2018). Oversight of federal agencies: Processes and challenges. GAO-19-234.