1. An Overview of the Congressional Budget Process
Tom asked me to address the basics questions about what it means to be a lobbyist and to give you an idea of a day in the “life of.”
What I hope to communicate to you is:
The job of a lobbyist is unique and multifaceted.
Lobbying activities closely dictated by the Lobby Disclosure Act.
Lobbying is a critical part of doing business in the Public Sector.
American Defense International, Inc.
Matt Weinstein – 21 September 2016

2. Agenda Regular Order vs. Reality Current Budget Environment
Defense Spending Trends
Budget Control Act & Sequestration
FY17 Federal R&D Priorities
The Florida Delegation
When to Engage
How to be Effective
Current Political Landscape
Legislative Snapshot
Summary
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

3. Regular Order vs. Reality
**Title III of the Congressional Budget Act establishes a specific timetable for the congressional budget process.
President Submits Budget to Congress
First Monday in February
House & Senate Pass Budget Resolutions
April 15
House & Senate Committees Markup and Pass Appropriations Bills
Last Bill Reported: June 10
House & Senate Vote on Bills and Reconcile Differences
May 15 – June 30
President Signs Appropriations Bills into Law
Fiscal Year Begins
October 1
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

4. Regular Order vs. Reality
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

5. Current Budget Environment
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

6. Current Budget Environment
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

7. Current Budget Environment
Sequestration vs Budget Control Act
The 2011 Budget Control Act imposed $487B in DOD cuts over 10 years that have been and will continue to be implemented.
Sequestration describes automatic, “across the board” cuts only required when Congress approves funding levels above the 2011 Budget Control Act caps.
OCO budgets are “off budget” and therefore not subject to sequestration
“Ryan-Murray” Budget Agreement 2013 provided relief from Budget Control Act limits but extended implementation through 2023.
Bipartisan Budget Agreement (BBA) 2015 added $25B to FY16 ($548.1B) & FY17 ($551.1B) cap but reduced OCO to $58.8B ($606.9B total) and extends BCA through 2025.
FY17 budget request is below BBA limits = sequester not triggered
However, FY17 budget removed $18B of base requirements requested under OCO creating a significant readiness strain on DOD; Congressional republicans want to restore the money while democrats want an equal increase in social spending.
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

8. FY17 Federal R&D Priorities
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

9. The Florida Delegation
The Florida Delegation is composed of 27 Representatives and two statewide Senators (Sen’s. Nelson and Rubio)
FAU’s geographic footprint rests in or around five congressional districts:
Seatech & Davie Campuses – Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL-23)
Fort Lauderdale & Boca Raton Campuses – Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL-20) is adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale Campus
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL-21) is adjacent to the Boca Raton Campus
Harbor Branch & Jupiter Campuses – Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL-18)
Additionally, Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL-17) has assisted FAU on congressional matters in the past
Aquaculture language in FY17 Agriculture Appropriations Report and cyber security efforts through the Intel Committee
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

10. The Florida Delegation

11. When to Engage Appropriations vs. Authorizations
Defense
Other Authorizations:
Surface Transportation, Farm Bill
Universities can influence an outcome throughout the Legislative process
Committee Mark
Floor Action
Conference Committee
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

12. How to be Effective Identify a requirement for your research
Brief government agencies (Program Office)
Gain government champion/Determine funding opportunities
If no funding is available, funds must be appropriated in the following year’s budget
Engage Congress at the right time – The annual appropriations process starts on the first Monday in February every year when the President’s budget is released
Language can be inserted into Bills and Reports to influence Agency spending
REMEMBER: There are NO Earmarks
Once funding is available, the contracting phase can begin!
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

13. Current Political Landscape
Congress
House of Representatives (435 Members): Republicans increased their majority in the House after picking up 13 seats in 2014 and hold a advantage—the magic number in the House is 218 for a majority. House terms run for two years so each member is up for re-election every election cycle.
Senate (100 Members): Republicans have a majority in the United States Senate by a margin (2 Independent)—the magic number in the Senate is 60. Approximately 1/3 of the Senate is re-elected each election cycle, this time there are 24 Republicans and 10 Democrats in cycle.
White House:
Both major party candidates are extremely unpopular
There will be an impact on “down ballot” candidates for Congress
Third-party candidates (Libertarian and Green) could affect outcome
First presidential debate is 26 September
Supreme Court:
Unexpected vacancy will impact 2016 elections
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.
Countdown Clock: Only 48 days remain until the election…

14. Legislative Snapshot Appropriations: Outlook:
The Senate is currently debating a three month Continuing Resolution (CR)
The CR will keep the government funded until 9 Dec and will include the following:
A 0.06% across the board reduction to meet the budget caps
$1.1B to combat the Zika virus (controversy over Planned Parenthood appears to be averted)
The conferenced FY17 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill
Emergency funding for flood victims in Louisiana
The House will take up the CR next
Conservatives in the House prefer a six month CR to avoid the “Lame Duck”
Leadership and Appropriators prefer to pass appropriations bills in Dec rather than kick the can
Outlook:
Congress will pass a short-term CR funding the government until 9 Dec
Congress will then recess until after the 8 Nov election
Congressional “Lame Duck” session will need to address:
National Defense Authorization
Long-term appropriations bill(s)
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.

15. “Democracy is contact sport…you have to make contact to win!”
Summary
There is an annual process that Congress follows to authorize spending and set spending limits for the Federal government
Effectively engaging the Agencies and the Congress at the right time will significantly increase your odds of success
A political outcome may not always be necessary, but when it is, it’s good to have already laid the foundation
U.S. Representatives and Senators serve their constituents first and foremost
Increasing your footprint by teaming with other universities or businesses can significantly increase your odds of a successful award
There are NO Earmarks
When the Presidency changes, budget priorities often change
I’ve created a discussion agenda that I hope hits all of these major points.
If I take any of the vernacular for granted, please ask questions along the way.
“Democracy is contact sport…you have to make contact to win!”