Understanding the federal appropriations process can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned policy professionals. To help, Erik Fatemi, Jenny Neuscheler, Dianne Nellor, Ashley Palmer and Will Smith – who have decades of combined experience with the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees – recently sat down to offer their insights into the history of the process and what’s to come in FY27 and beyond.
Below, we’re breaking down common questions about the FY27 appropriations cycle, the evolving landscape and how organizations can position themselves for success.
Is the appropriations process still functioning after the turbulence of 2025?
Yes. Despite the difficulties of FY25, when Congress failed to pass any negotiated appropriations bills, FY26 rebounded dramatically. Congress so far enacted 11 of 12 bills, avoided a massive omnibus and moved packages through bipartisan minibuses.
This comeback signals that the process remains central to Congress. The “power of the purse” is a constitutional mandate—and appropriators take that role seriously, even amid shutdowns, political gridlock and election year pressures.
What should organizations expect for the FY27 appropriations timeline?
The process is already well underway. Here are some key dates to note:
- February–April: Appropriations request forms are opened by House and Senate Members.
- March: Many House and Senate member request deadlines are in March, with most House deadlines set slightly earlier than the Senate.
- April: The Trump Administration’s FY27 budget is expected and will be quickly followed by subcommittees hearings and bill markups.
- September: A short-term CR is probable, with most final bills likely resolved in the post-election lame duck session.
Can Congress move forward without a full budget request from the White House?
Yes. Both the House and Senate have begun markups before having the complete budget submission. While the Trump Administration’s request provides useful context on funding levels and executive priorities, it is ultimately a recommendation. Appropriators routinely use agency input, historical funding levels and congressional priorities to build the bills.
Could there be another government shutdown this fall?
Neither party benefits politically from forcing a shutdown weeks before an election. While anything can happen, the prevailing expectation is a smooth extension via a CR until after Election Day. Optimistically, Congress could potentially pass full-year bills before the end of the fiscal year.
How can organizations stay engaged throughout the entire appropriations cycle?
While many big deadlines happen during the spring, appropriations is a year-round process, not a onetime submission. Your organization should view each phase of the cycle as an opportunity to reinforce priorities, build relationships and respond to emerging developments.
Ready to get to work? Contact Cornerstone’s leading team of appropriators here.