Spending Bill
A spending bill is legislation that provides budget authority for government programs, agencies, or activities. Many spending bills are appropriations measures that authorize agencies to use specified amounts for stated purposes. Congress may enact regular annual appropriations, continuing resolutions, or supplemental appropriations.
A spending bill is legislation that provides budget authority for government programs, agencies, or activities. Many spending bills are appropriations measures that authorize agencies to use specified amounts for stated purposes. Congress may enact regular annual appropriations, continuing resolutions, or supplemental appropriations.
Example: Public Law 118-42, enacted in March 2024, provided regular appropriations for several federal departments and agencies for fiscal year 2024.
Common misconception: A spending bill always creates a new program. It may fund existing programs, continue operations temporarily, or provide additional money for an emergency.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/118/plaws/publ42/PLAW-118publ42.pdf; https://www.congress.gov/118/plaws/publ50/PLAW-118publ50.pdf