Appropriation
An appropriation is a law that provides budget authority for the government to spend money for specified purposes. Appropriations set limits and conditions on how funds may be used. They are distinct from authorizing laws that establish or continue a program.
An appropriation is a law that provides budget authority for the government to spend money for specified purposes. Appropriations set limits and conditions on how funds may be used. They are distinct from authorizing laws that establish or continue a program.
Example: Public Law 118-42, enacted in March 2024, provided appropriations for federal departments and agencies for fiscal year 2024.
Common misconception: An appropriation gives an agency unlimited permission to spend money. Agencies must follow the amounts, purposes, time limits, and other conditions set by law.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/118/plaws/publ42/PLAW-118publ42.pdf; https://www.gao.gov/legal/appropriations-law