President Biden was expected to release a top-line version of his discretionary funding request, including a breakdown of proposed funding levels for federal agencies and major priorities last week. The Administration has not committed to a new date for the “skinny” budget release. The delay comes as the Administration decides on defense spending figures. Biden was expected to keep defense spending level, but progressive Democrats are pushing to decrease the defense budget, a move Republicans and moderate Democrats are likely to oppose. The entire budget is expected to be released in May 2021. Administration officials have previously cited obstruction from the Trump budget office during the transition period and the lack of an OMB director as reasons for the delay.
