A study of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 : realities and implications for the Department of Defense

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344). It provides historical background and describes in detail this new legislative budget procedure, its organizational structure and newly established instrumentalities - the House and Senate Budget Committees and the Congressional Budget Office. Research was based upon extensive interviews with Congressional staff and Executive agency personnel. The investigation provides insights into operation of the new budget process and discusses the realities of the Act's reform provisions, problem areas and implications. Particular emphasis is given to those aspects which have potential impact for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Navy, including budget preparation and Congressional interactions. The major conclusions reached were that future DOD budget submissions will be analyzed in greater detail and will be considered in a changed and more competitive Congressional environment.