Turbulence and change in department spending patterns case study: Department of Agriculture

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between agency assertiveness and moderation of budget requests within the Department of Agriculture. It covers the budgetary roles and strategies used in the DOA, Office of Management and Budget, and Congressional appropriation committees. The database used was supplied by the DOA and contains agency initial budget requests and appropriation data from 1980 to 1990. The analysis compares agency budget request increments to the actual increments appropriated, as a percentage of a common base. The study found that during periods of fiscal restraint, the most assertive agencies were the most successful. However, with the support of clientele groups and legislative branch members, agencies requesting moderate increases as well as decreases experienced significant growth in their funding levels and restoral of budget cuts made earlier.