Appropriations
The legislative act of setting aside specific funds from the federal treasury for a particular purpose. Congress must pass appropriations bills to legally authorize the government to spend money, fulfilling its 'power of the purse.'
The legislative act of setting aside specific funds from the federal treasury for a particular purpose. Congress must pass appropriations bills to legally authorize the government to spend money, fulfilling its ‘power of the purse.’
Example: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 was a massive $1.7 trillion omnibus bill that funded the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year, preventing a government shutdown.
Common misconception: An authorization bill automatically provides funding. Authorization bills merely establish or continue a federal program and set spending ceilings; a separate appropriations bill is required to actually provide the money.