Power of the Purse: Budgeting and Spending—and Calls for Change

Power of the Purse is the opening Washington event in the Democracy Reform Primer Series, examining proposed changes to the way the president and Congress manage budgeting and spending. The program brings research into public discussion by explaining the goals behind specific reform proposals, assessing the evidence supporting them, and identifying questions that still require further study.

The event will feature new research on banning omnibus appropriations bills and increasing presidential discretion over budgeting and spending. Scholars, former Office of Management and Budget directors, and policy leaders will connect the research with their practical experience overseeing the federal budget process, followed by a moderated panel discussion.

When: September 23, 2026

Showtimes: Doors open and refreshments are served at 11:15 a.m.; the program begins at 11:30 a.m.; the event concludes at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Venue: Room 820, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Tickets: Free

Registration: Registration is required; attendees should register in advance.

Audience: General public, faculty, staff, and students

Research topics: Christian Fong of Johns Hopkins University will present research on banning omnibus appropriations bills. Jon Rogowski of the University of Chicago will present research on increasing presidential discretion over budgeting and spending.

Participants: Shalanda Young, New York University Distinguished Scholar in Residence and former director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Joe Biden; Josh Bolten, CEO of Business Roundtable and former OMB director under President George W. Bush; Christian Fong; Jon Rogowski; and William Howell, dean of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Government and Policy.

Moderator: Lauren Fox, CNN congressional correspondent and a Johns Hopkins alumna, will moderate the panel discussion.

Series context: The Democracy Reform Primer Series is a partnership between Johns Hopkins University’s School of Government and Policy and the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government. The series focuses on proposed reforms to political institutions and aims to connect academic research with public dialogue and practical strategies.

Contact: SGP Events Management Office at SGPEvents@jh.edu