Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Appropriation act

National Debt Glossary: Key terms for understanding America's financial crisis


A law that authorizes the government to spend money.

An appropriation act usually follows the enactment of authorizing legislation and is the most common way of providing the authority to fund the operations of government. As a rule, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees take up 13 regular appropriation acts each year.

spinner image Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

See also: Appropriation

See all terms in the National Debt Glossary

Frequently Asked Questions: National Debt

See all questions about the national debt. >>

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?