What are Appropriation Bills: Appropriation bills are instruments of the U.S. House of Representatives that designate how federal tax dollars are to be spent. There are three types of appropriation bills: 1. “Regular” bills are enacted to fund the 12 standard divisions where money is to be spent for the upcoming fiscal year (October 1- September 30) . 2. In the event that Congress cannot agree on how to allocate their budget monies a “Continuing Resolution”, or, CR bill is voted on to extend the deadline and the existing expenditures, to further debate to come up with a Regular bill. 3. “Supplemental” bills are voted on to add to the existing budget to pay for unexpected expenses such as disaster relief.

While the House writes the budget the Senate has to agree to it and the President signs it or sends it back for revisions. For more information about how our government works visit our sister site, Bounce Back at www.bback.us.