The national budget follows a process that, at least on paper, is straightforward.
The executive branch prepares the budget through the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and submits it to Congress.
The House of Representatives and the Senate then deliberate on the proposed budget, make changes, and approve the General Appropriations Bill.
The President may then sign the budget into law and also veto specific items.
But the flood control corruption investigation revealed that lawmakers would have a hand in the NEP even before it is formally submitted to Congress.
