The objective of this book is to present usable and relevant information about the budget and the budget process in a straightforward format. Our intent is to explain clearly the facts about the Federal Budget without making judgments on the political issues. With this information the reader should have a better foundation of knowledge to make judgments on current issues and policies. Each edition of this book is published on the heels of the transmittal of the President's annual Budget proposal to Congress, which occurs in February. The content of the book focuses on reference material describing how the budget process works.