Reforms Needed to Improve the DoD Budget Process

The federal budget process must be reformed. The process has become so time consuming that it dominates the workload in Congress and within the Department of Defense (DoD). Because of the time spent in formulating, presenting, and justifying the budget every year, little time is left for the leaders...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Johnson, Kenneth F
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ADDITION
Administration and Management
BUDGETS
COMMERCE
CONGRESS
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
FEDERAL BUDGETS
Government and Political Science
INSTALLATION
MILITARY BUDGETS
Military Forces and Organizations
OPERATION
TIME
VALUE
WORKLOAD
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Description
Summary:The federal budget process must be reformed. The process has become so time consuming that it dominates the workload in Congress and within the Department of Defense (DoD). Because of the time spent in formulating, presenting, and justifying the budget every year, little time is left for the leaders of Congress and DoD to analyze and develop strategic concepts and visions. We must improve the procedures that currently impede the effective use of our funds and also allow installation commanders more flexibility in executing their budgets. This study analyzes current problems and outlines some alternatives to improve the budget process. A biennial budget would allow congress sufficient time to enact authorizations and appropriations and provide top managers in DoD and Congress time to better plan and evaluate all programs. DoD currently submits a biennial budget to Congress. However, until Congress begins authorizing and appropriating funds on a biennial basis, DoD is basically submitting a biennial budget every year. In addition, implementing programs such as the Defense Business Operations Fund and removing unnecessary financial constraints on installation commanders will help DoD get the most value for every dollar spent.