authorization bill

Definition

Legislation that establishes or continues a federal program and sets the maximum amount that can be spent on it. Think of it as Congress writing a permission slip that says "you may spend up to this much"—whether you get the actual money is another matter entirely.

Example Usage

The highway authorization bill allows for $500 billion over five years, but the actual appropriations have been far less.

Origin

Standard legislative terminology emerging from separation of authorizing and appropriating functions in the 19th century

Fun Fact

Many federal programs continue operating even after their authorizations expire, through the magic of continuing resolutions.

Source: House Rules Committee glossary

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