Budget and Appropriations
What is the Budget?
The federal budget is the amount of spending and revenue planned for the next fiscal year of the federal government. Each fiscal year (FY) runs from October 1 through September 30.
What are Appropriations?
A federal appropriation is the act of setting aside a part of the federal budget to a specific program or use. There are 13 appropriations bills that fund the federal government.
Why should I contact my members of Congress about Appropriations?
Educating policymakers around appropriations lets your Members of Congress know how you would like them to prioritize federal funding.
What is the timeline for advocacy around Budget and Appropriations?
- President submits budget – usually early February
- Congress enacts concurrent Budget Resolution – by April 15
- House and Senate agree on 13 annual appropriations bills – September
- Fiscal year begins October 1
The standard timeline is often adjusted due to political realities. If the appropriations bills are not passed by September 30th, then the federal government closes or a continuing resolution is used to continuing last year's funding into the new year until the bills can be passed.
