Tracking the 2012 Budget

The appropriations process, in which Congress allocates agency and government spending, is a complicated mix of both procedure and politics.

Here’s how the process normally works:

Government spending is collected into 12 categories. The House Appropriations Committee (which is made up of various subcommittees) drafts and votes on a bill. After it’s passed the committee vote, the legislation then goes to the floor for a vote by the full House.

That process is repeated in the Senate, starting with the Appropriations Committee. However, the House and Senate versions are often not an exact match, so the bills must be reconciled in conference committee.

Finally, when a single spending bill is formulated, it is sent to the president to sign into law.

Track the progress of your agency’s 2012 appropriations bill below:

*Included in the 2012 spending “megabus” bill (part of the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs appropriations bill

Source:
Status of Appropriations Legislation for Fiscal Year 2012, Library of Congress
House Appropriations Committee
Senate Appropriations Committee