Number: RS20371
Title: Overview of the Authorization-Appropriations Process
Authors: William Heniff, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: A primary avenue for exercising Congress's 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.
Pages: 2
Date: June 17, 2008