Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction Dec 6, 2004
Authors: United States Congress
Publication Year: 2004
Last Updated: 2016-01-29 12:20:41
Journal: United States Congressional Library
Keywords: appropriations, appropriations process, congressional, procedures,
Short Abstract:
Congress annually considers 13 or more appropriations measures, which provide funding for numerous activities, for example, national defense, education, homeland security, and crime. These measures also fund general government operations such as the administration of federal agencies. Congress has developed certain rules and practices for the consideration of appropriations measures, referred to as the congressional appropriations process. This report discusses the following aspects of this process:
• Annual appropriations cycle;
• Spending ceilings for appropriations associated with the annual budget resolution; and
• Prohibitions against certain language in appropriations measures that violate separation of the authorization and appropriation functions into separate measures.
Abstract:
Congress annually considers 13 or more appropriations measures, which provide funding for numerous activities, for example, national defense, education, homeland security, and crime. These measures also fund general government operations such as the administration of federal agencies. Congress has developed certain rules and practices for the consideration of appropriations measures, referred to as the congressional appropriations process. This report discusses the following aspects of this process:
• Annual appropriations cycle;
• Spending ceilings for appropriations associated with the annual budget resolution; and
• Prohibitions against certain language in appropriations measures that violate separation of the authorization and appropriation functions into separate measures.
When considering appropriations measures, Congress is exercising the power granted to it under the Constitution, which states, "No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law."' The executive branch may not spend more than the amount appropriated, 2 and it may use available funds only for the purposes established by Congress.3 The President has an important role by virtue of his constitutional power to approve or veto entire measures and his various duties imposed by statute, such as submitting an annual budget to the Congress.
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