Differences: Authorizing and Appropriations Bills

• Authorizing Bills – Legislation that establishes or continues the legal operation of a federal program or agency.  They may be time limited or indefinite; or may limit the budget or authorize “such sums as necessary”.
  
  

• Appropriations Bills – Legislation that gives legal authority to spend or obligate treasury funds.  They are customarily initiated in the House; supposed to be passed by Congress before the fiscal year starting October 1^st; hearings held and policy shaped long before the actual bill is introduced.

American Psychological Association
Public Policy Office
Washington, D.C.

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