Permanent Appropriations (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms

Permanent Appropriations

From the Permanent Collection of the National Gallery of Greece, by Tilemahos_E
From the Permanent Collection of the National Gallery of Greece, by Tilemahos_E

Permanent Appropriations: Budget authority that becomes available as the result of previously enacted legislation (substantive legislation or prior appropriations act) and does not require current action by Congress. Budget authority is considered to be “current” if provided in the current session of Congress and “permanent” if provided in prior sessions.

Permanent Appropriations, such as those to pay interest on the national debt or to pay the salaries of members of Congress, remain available without additional action by Congress.

A revolving fund, which is a fund established by Congress to finance a cycle of businesslike operations through amounts received by the fund, is a form of permanent appropriation.

For permanent appropriations, OMB and agencies identify PPAs (Program, Project, or Activity) by the program and financing schedules that the president provides in the “Detailed Budget Estimates” in the budget submission for the relevant fiscal year.

Also see Budget Deficit / Budget Surplus; Date Shifting / Fiscal Transparency / Fiscal Illusion; Revolving Fund; Terms and Sessions of Congress; § 7.80 Authorizations and Appropriations Processes, in Congressional Deskbook.

From Congressional Procedure, Chapter 7.A. Introduction – The Congressional Budget and Other Special Cases:

The budget is like a personal budget—your plan for how much money you expect to be earning, how much money you will spend and how you will spend it.

Authorizations may be thought of as decisions you might make that impact your budget, such as signing an apartment lease, buying an automobile, purchasing a home, or even having a child.

Appropriations are like payments you actually make under your budget, like paying the rent, utility bills, or buying groceries. You might have budgeted $300 for groceries, but ended up spending $350. Your appropriation is $350.

If you spend more than you bring in, you must borrow the difference. If you spend less, you have a surplus and may be able to invest it or save for a child’s education.

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