Government Glossary

Authorization

Authorization creates or continues a program or activity and may set policy or funding limits.

Plain-English Meaning

In the Guide to Government, this term belongs to budget and lawmaking. It is useful because government pages often use short legal or procedural labels, while visitors need to know who has authority, what document or decision to look for, and where to verify the official record.

Related Guide Pages

CongressA true Congress home page for understanding the House, Senate, lawmaking, committees, oversight, federal powers, member work, and official records.Congressional CommitteesA practical guide to House, Senate, select, special, and joint committees: what they do, how hearings and markup work, and where to find official committee pages.