Fact Check: The U.S. Congress is responsible for approving federal budget plans.

Fact Check: "The U.S. Congress is responsible for approving federal budget plans."

What We Know

The U.S. Congress plays a crucial role in the federal budget process, which is outlined in several legislative frameworks, including the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. According to USAGov, every year, Congress begins work on a federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from October 1 to September 30. The process starts with federal agencies submitting budget requests to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which compiles these requests into a budget proposal for the President to submit to Congress early in the following year.

Once the President's budget proposal is received, it is divided among 12 subcommittees in Congress, each responsible for different government functions. Both the House and Senate create their own budget resolutions, which must be negotiated and merged before passing a single version of each funding bill. Ultimately, Congress sends the approved funding bills to the President for signature or veto (USAGov, U.S. House Committee on the Budget).

Analysis

The claim that Congress is responsible for approving federal budget plans is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. House Committee on the Budget outlines the stages of the budget process, emphasizing that Congress must adopt a budget resolution and pass appropriations bills based on that resolution. This process includes hearings and negotiations that involve both the House and Senate (U.S. House Committee on the Budget, Time Table of the Budget Process).

Moreover, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) provides a detailed overview of the budget process, confirming that Congress has the authority to shape and approve budgetary measures (Congress.gov). The budget resolution, while not a law, sets the framework for spending and revenue levels, which Congress must adhere to when drafting appropriations bills (U.S. House Committee on the Budget).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are official government websites and reports that provide nonpartisan information about the budget process. The U.S. House Committee on the Budget and USAGov are both authoritative sources that reflect the established procedures and responsibilities of Congress in the budgetary process.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that "The U.S. Congress is responsible for approving federal budget plans" is accurate. The federal budget process is designed to ensure that Congress plays a central role in shaping and approving the budget, from the initial proposal to the final appropriations bills sent to the President.

Fact Check: The U.S. Congress is responsible for approving federal budget plans.