Foreign Operations Appropriations: General Provisions
Abstract
Foreign assistance law requires Congress to authorize funding for programs before appropriated funds are spent.1 Through 1985, Congress regularly enacted new authorization legislation or amended the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the foundation of U.S. foreign aid policy, to update authorization time frames, and to incorporate newer programs and authorities. After 1986,however, Congress turned more frequently to enacting freestanding authorities that did not amend the 1961 Act, and waived the requirement to authorize funds before making them available in appropriations. The annual foreign operations appropriations bill funds foreign aid programs as they are defined and authorized in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Arms Export Control Act, and other related Acts.2 These annual measures, like all appropriations bills that fund executive branch programs and operations, include General Provisions to guide how funds may be spent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1172124
Entities
People
- Dianne E. Rennack
- Lisa Mages
- Susan G. Chesser
Organizations
- Library of Congress