Projections

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GAO Glossary of Terms and Definition (September 2005)

Projections

Estimates of budget authority, outlays, receipts, or other budget amounts extending several years into the future. Projections are generally intended to indicate the budgetary implications of existing or proposed programs and legislation. Projections may include alternative program and policy strategies and ranges of possible budget amounts. Projections are not firm estimates of what will occur in future years, nor are they intended to be recommendations for future budget decisions.

The statutory basis for preparing and submitting projections is spelled out (1) for the President in section 201(a) of the Budget and Accounting Act (31 U.S.C. § 1105) and (2) for Congress and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in sections 202, 308, and 402 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (2 U.S.C. §§ 601, 639, and 653). (See also Baseline; Budget Estimates; Multiyear Budget Planning.)

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