Final answer:
The responsibility to pass a budget each year ultimately lies with Congress, which has the power to modify the President's proposal and determine federal spending. The complex process involves the House of Representatives and the Senate, and is subject to political dynamics that can affect the timing of its passage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The responsibility to pass a budget each year ultimately resides with Congress. The budget process begins when the President submits a proposal, which is then reviewed and modified by Congress. The House of Representatives and the Senate play critical roles in establishing discretionary spending limits, appropriating funds, and reconciling any differences between their respective budget resolutions. Although the President recommends a budget and consults with various advisors and departments, it is Congress that holds the power to approve federal spending, and they can make any changes they deem necessary. The process is complex and involves various committees, debates, and a collaboration between both the House and the Senate to reach a final agreement.
Despite the formal process, the timing of budget passage can be influenced by partisan conflicts and disagreements between different branches of government. Historically, there have also been debates over whether the government should be required to balance its budget, with proposed amendments to this effect having failed to pass the necessary thresholds for constitutional adoption.