Annual Congressional appropriations timeline

An appropriation bill authorizes the government to spend money. Below is an estimated timeline of the annual appropriations process.

February
On the first Monday in February, the President’s annual budget request is sent to Congress.

In February 2009, President Obama submitted a comprehensive budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2010.

April
The House and Senate pass budget resolutions, establishing an overall budget for federal spending.

May-July
The House and Senate Appropriations Committees begin their markup process. They review appropriations bills and recommend allocations to 13 subcommittees.

The 13 appropriations bills are voted on by the House in June and the Senate in July.

August
The House and Senate adjourn for summer recess.

September-October
Ideally, the House and Senate agree on the final funding numbers in September.

The final budget is signed before October 1, if possible.

If the budget is not signed by October 1, the federal government passes a “Continuing Resolution.” The government continues to work under the previous year’s budget until appropriations for the current fiscal year are approved.

Learn more about the Congressional Budget process.
Please visit www.rules.house.gov/budget_pro.htm.