What is the president's role regarding the national budget?

The president's role in relation to the national budget is primarily to prepare and propose it to Congress. This responsibility is mandated by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which requires the president to submit a proposed federal budget to Congress at the beginning of each fiscal year. This budget reflects the administration's priorities and policy goals, outlining expected revenues and proposed expenditures for various government functions.

The president does not have the authority to approve or deny each department’s budget individually; rather, the proposed budget is subject to review, amendment, and approval by Congress. Additionally, while the president can influence budgetary decisions and has a role in discussing expenditures with the cabinet, those discussions are part of the initial preparation phase rather than a formalized role in the approval process of the budget after it has been submitted. After Congress votes on the budget, the president does hold veto power over the overall budget legislation but does not have the final say on individual spending decisions made by Congress.