Number: R40089
Title: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Authorizations and Corresponding Appropriations
Authors: Dianne E. Rennack, Specialist in Foreign Policy Legislation 
Abstract: There are indications that the 111th Congress may visit the issue of amending the current body of law that comprises foreign aid policy, starting with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This report presents the executive branch authorities of that Act, and correlates those authorities with the operative appropriations measure (P.L. 110-161, as continued by P.L. 110-329) that funds those authorities. For many years, annual foreign aid appropriations measures have waived the requirement that funds must be authorized before they are appropriated and expended. Understanding the relation between the authorities in the cornerstone Act and the appropriations is key to any consideration of reforming foreign aid legislation.
Pages: 27
Date: December 15, 2008