Deep Dives: Congressional Appropriations 

Presidential Budget Request 

Traditionally released on or before the first Monday in February, the President submits a detailed budget proposal that outlines funding for all federal agencies for the upcoming fiscal year —which begins October 1st— to Congress. [Learn more here] 

Budget Resolution 

Congress receives the President’s Budget Request and comes up with a “budget resolution.” The budget resolution divides funding between non-discretionary and discretionary spending. Non-discretionary spending includes programs whose funding is dictated by established laws (e.g. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid). Discretionary spending covers funds Congress annually appropriates such as defense, federal salaries, program, and project funding. The budget resolution is an internal governing document for Congress; it is not signed or vetoed by the President. 

Appropriations Bills 

The discretionary slice of the budget pie is controlled by the Appropriations Committee in the House and in the Senate. In each chamber, twelve Appropriations Subcommittees that range across federal agencies manage the funding in their particular subject area. Each subcommittee “marks” – that is, amends and votes on – their appropriations legislation through a process of hearings. Each subcommittee’s bill is then considered by the full committee.  

After passing the House or Senate Appropriations Committee, a bill is brought to the floor. Differences between Floor-passed appropriations bills in each chamber of Congress are worked out in a conference between House and Senate representatives, after which the conference version must be approved by both the House and Senate and then sent to the President for signature or veto. 

The Rise of Omnibuses 

Ideally, Congress considers and approves each appropriations bill separately, but in recent years Congress has combined several bills together. When multiple appropriations bills are packaged in one measure, it is referred to as an omnibus appropriation measures (“omnibus” or “omnibus bill”). 

Continuing Resolutions 

Continuing appropriations are used to maintain temporary funding for agencies and programs when regular appropriations bills are not enacted by the end of the year. Such appropriations continuing funding are usually provided in a joint resolution, hence the term continuing resolution (or CR). 

Supplemental Appropriations 

Throughout a fiscal year Congress may also appropriate additional funds through supplemental appropriations. Supplementals may provide funding for unforeseen needs (such as funds to recover from a hurricane, earthquake, or flood), or increase or provide funding for other activities. 

Budget Reconciliation 

Congress can also appropriate money through bills other than the twelve annual appropriations bills. Budget Reconciliation is a special process that only needs a simple majority in the Senate, making legislation easier to pass. Only policies that change spending or revenues can be included. 

For more information on Congressional Appropriations, check out our additional resources below: