Government Glossary

Appropriations

Laws that provide money for federal programs and operations.

Plain-English Meaning

Appropriations are laws that authorize federal agencies to spend money for particular purposes. Congress uses appropriations to fund government operations and to influence how executive agencies carry out public policy. Failure to enact appropriations can contribute to shutdowns.

Related Guide Pages

CongressA true Congress home page for understanding the House, Senate, lawmaking, committees, oversight, federal powers, member work, and official records.Federal BudgetHow federal money comes in, how it goes out, how deficits and debt work, and why shutdowns and debt-limit fights happen.