#50: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #50: What are the different types of appropriation measures?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Congressional Process and Powers
Q&A #50: What are the different types of appropriation measures?
Appropriations are provided in three different types of appropriation measures.
Regular appropriation bills are a series of measures that together fund many Federal operations and programs for a fiscal year (October 1–September 30). Each of the 13 subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees manages one regular appropriation bill.
A supplemental appropriation bill is a measure which provides funds if a need develops that is too urgent to be postponed until the next fiscal year.
Finally, a continuing resolution is a measure that provides stop-gap funding if Congress is unable to complete action on one or more regular appropriation bills before the beginning of a fiscal year.
All regular appropriation bills as well as supplemental appropriation bills that fund more than a single agency or purpose are also referred to as general appropriation bills.
My Thoughts
How Congress allocates funds is one of the most important legislative functions. But, the budget process certainly doesn’t stop there. The money has to be spent in accordance with the appropriations measures. This is where the rubber meets the road. Are the funded programs actually being implemented? If so, are they being implemented properly?
These questions are at the center of DOGE’s work.
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Back next time with Q&A #51: What is the congressional budget process?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
February 19, 2025