A continuing appropriation is a type of budgetary authority that allows government agencies to continue spending funds from a previous fiscal year without the need for new legislation or appropriations. This type of appropriation is typically used for ongoing programs or activities that require continuous funding. It ensures that government operations can continue uninterrupted even if a new budget has not been passed.
A continuing appropriation is a type of budget authority that allows government agencies to continue spending money from a previous fiscal year’s budget without the need for new legislation or appropriations.
A regular appropriation is a specific amount of money allocated by Congress for a particular purpose and time period. In contrast, a continuing appropriation allows agencies to spend money from a previous year’s budget until new appropriations are made.
Continuing appropriations provide stability and continuity in government operations, ensuring that essential services can continue even if new appropriations are delayed or not approved. They also prevent government shutdowns in the absence of a new budget.
Yes, continuing appropriations typically come with certain limitations. For example, they may only allow agencies to spend at the same level as the previous year’s budget or restrict spending to specific programs or activities.
The duration of a continuing appropriation can vary. It can be for a specific period, such as a few months, or it can be indefinite until new appropriations are enacted.
The authority to approve a continuing appropriation lies with the legislative body, usually Congress or a state legislature, depending on the level of government involved.
If a continuing appropriation is not approved, government agencies may face a funding gap, leading to potential disruptions in services and operations. In such cases, agencies may need to implement contingency plans or temporarily halt non-essential activities.
Generally, continuing appropriations are intended to maintain existing programs and activities. Funding for new programs or initiatives typically requires separate appropriations.
Continuing appropriations are relatively common in government budgeting, especially when there are delays or disagreements in the approval of new budgets. They provide a temporary solution to ensure the continuity of government operations until new appropriations are enacted.
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This glossary post was last updated: 5th April 2024.
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