Political economics lesson needed

[AllyCat]

When we say Bush cut $71.2M in disaster relief aid to Louisiana, how did that happen? Congress appropriates funds...so what was Bush's role in this? I have no doubt that he did it, but know Republicans who will say "Well, Congress appropriates the funds so it's their fault".

How does this work?

Thanks.:hi:

[cally]

1. A general answer

The administration proposes the budget. Then Congress holds hearings and passes the budget. The President then signs it but he can line item veto and remove some appropriations. It takes two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress to restore funding.

Also remember that all the facts and figures come from the administration. While Congress has staff, the federal government agencies put together the revenue and tax receipt forecasts and all the expected expenditures of the government. When an agency like FEMA puts together an expected disaster budget, it is almost impossible for Congress to effectively question it since almost all the expertise is within the government. Congress will pust around the edges and add money for pork projects but the nuts and bolts funding proposals are from the administration.

[AllyCat]

2. Thank you! I knew it was something like that but wanted to have a

clear answer to push into the face of the first person that tries to blame this on Congress.

[dmkinsey]

3. One thing

I'm pretty sure there's no longer a "line item veto"
That expired