Congressional appropriations involve the process through which Congress allocates funds for specific federal programs, agencies, and activities. It is part of the annual budgeting process where lawmakers determine how much money will be spent on different governmental functions.
Related terms
Continuing resolution: A temporary measure passed by Congress when it fails to approve regular appropriations bills before the new fiscal year begins, allowing funding at existing levels until full budgets are passed.
Mandatory spending: Government expenditures that are required by law and not subject to annual appropriations decisions by Congress.
Discretionary spending: Spending controlled through annual appropriation acts where lawmakers have discretion over how much is allocated and where it is spent.