Overview of the Authorization-Appropriations Process (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 26, 2012 |
| Report Number |
RS20371 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
William Heniff, Jr., Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Processovernment and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
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Summary:
A primary avenue for exercising Congressâs power of the purse is the authorization and appropriation of federal spending to carry out government activities. While the power over appropriations is granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution, the authorization-appropriation process is derived from House and Senate rules. The formal process consists of two sequential steps: (1) enactment of an authorization measure that may create or continue an agency, program, or activity as well as authorize the subsequent enactment of appropriations; and (2) enactment of appropriations to provide funds for the authorized agency, program, or activity. The authorizing and appropriating tasks in this two-step process are largely carried out by a division of labor within the committee system. Legislative committees, such as the House Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, are responsible for authorizing legislation related to the agencies and programs under their jurisdiction; most standing committees have authorizing responsibilities. The Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate have jurisdiction over appropriations measures. As discussed below, House and Senate rules generally prohibit the encroachment of these committee responsibilities by the authorizers and appropriators.
