Budget Appropriations

Budget appropriations are how Congress decides which federal programs get money, how much they receive, and under what conditions. This category explains the full process—from how Congress funds the federal government and uses tactics like short-term extensions (two-week funding bills) or large combined packages (bundled spending bills) to what happens when deadlines are missed (missed funding deadlines).

How Congress Uses Appropriations goes beyond simply writing checks. Lawmakers often attach conditions known as riders to control how agencies operate, as explained in pieces on appropriations riders and on how Congress can require local police to adopt body cameras through funding bills (police body camera funding conditions).