The Inside Story of OMB

The Inside Story of OMB provides an insider's perspective of the multiple functions performed by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) staff in advancing the agenda of the President. Located within the Executive Office of the President (EXOP), OMB is a powerful but poorly understood agency. Based on experiences from the author's 42-year career, the book shows how OMB staff learn the job and acclimate to the culture as well as explains the challenges and pressures faced by staff in executing OMB's many roles.

The book discusses how OMB wields power in carrying out its role in five key governmental functions: 1) budget; 2) legislation; 3) regulations; 4) management; and 5) executive orders. OMB is not only a significant policy player on all these functions, but also runs the process for coordinating these functions government-wide. Due to these procedural responsibilities, OMB also serves as the President's enforcer in making sure that agency actions are coordinated and that the Federal Government speaks with one voice.

As the budget is OMB's most visible and important function, the book necessarily starts by explaining in lay terms the key budget concepts, demystifying the budget process, and explaining OMB's organizational structure. The book shows how OMB carries out its key functions on several important policy issues and includes chapters on cross-cutting topics including regulatory policy, management issues, government shutdowns, and presidential transitions. Finally, the book discusses the perks and downsides of working at OMB and ends with a portrayal of the author's experiences as Acting OMB Director at the beginning of the Biden Administration.