1. Congressional Appropriations
August 3rd, 2007
Madison Government Affairs

2. Overview Lobbying Lobby Reform Appropriations Process
Why Seek Congressional Support
Plus Ups and Earmarks
Case Studies

3. Lobbying Historical Perspective The Present
Value to Chambers of Commerce

4. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution
Historical
“No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law;”
Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution

5. Historical Congress is exercising the power provided under the
Constitution
The power to appropriate is a legislative power
Congress sets the limits and the rules of engagement
for departments and officials
The President has a role in the appropriations process by
virtue of his constitutional power to approve or veto Bills
Also, by statute the President submits an annual budget to
Congress

6. The Present President versus Congress relative to national priorities
White House and Congress are at odds
Iraq
Defense of the Homeland
Energy
Health Care
Environment

7. Value to a Chamber of Commerce
Professional representation in Washington, DC
Chambers and communities have needs and
professional representatives can assist in meeting
those needs
Local Officials
Congressional Staff

8. Lobby Reform 110th Congressional Leaders have pledged to
reform lobbying activities
Changes will include
Members disclosing their requests for discretionary funds
Total transparency
Travel
Revolving Door Language
Gift Ban

9. Appropriations Process
Types of Appropriations Bills
Regular Appropriations
Continuing Resolutions (CR)
Supplemental Appropriations
Timeline

10. Appropriations Timeline
Budget delivered first Monday in February
February - April
Member request letters due March-April
May - June
July – September
(August recess)
September
By September 30; otherwise, Continuing Resolution (CR)

11. Why Seek Congressional Support
Administration’s Position
Congressional Perspective
Prerogatives
Innovation/ Thinking Outside the Box
Constituent Service

12. “one person’s meat is another’s pork”
Plus Ups and Earmarks
“one person’s meat is another’s pork”
Plus Up
Earmarks

13. Case Studies
Indiana University
Typical American City

14. Madison Government Affairs