WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

The federal budget

How it's approved

The President proposes a budget, but only Congress can spend money. Each year it must pass spending bills for the agencies, while programs like Social Security and Medicare are paid automatically under laws already on the books.

Every sentence below links to the law or official record it rests on. Tap a small number to see the exact words.

The steps, in order

  1. By the first Monday in February

    The President sends a request

    Each year the President must send Congress a budget for the next fiscal year by the first Monday in February.
    2not later than the first Monday in February of each year, the President shall submit a budget of the United States Government for the following fiscal year[2] 31 U.S.C. 1105 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)
     It is a proposal. It does not spend a dollar until Congress passes laws.
    3A law may be construed to make an appropriation out of the Treasury or to authorize making a contract for the payment of money in excess of an appropriation only if the law specifically states that an appropriation is made[3] 31 U.S.C. 1301 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (d)
     This year's request, for fiscal 2027, was published on April 3, 2026, after that deadline.
    2,30Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President 2026-04-03[30] Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2027: GovInfo publication record (Office of Management and Budget) · GovInfo recordFiscal Year 2027[30] Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2027: GovInfo publication record (Office of Management and Budget) · Titlenot later than the first Monday in February of each year, the President shall submit a budget of the United States Government for the following fiscal year[2] 31 U.S.C. 1105 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)
  2. By April 15

    Congress writes its own plan

    Congress is supposed to finish a budget resolution, its own overall plan, by April 15.
    7April 15 Congress completes action on concurrent resolution on the budget.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · Timetable
     The Congressional Budget Office reports to the Budget Committees by February 15 to help.
    7February 15 Congressional Budget Office submits report to Budget Committees.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · Timetable
     The resolution sets totals. It can also tell committees to write a reconciliation bill, described below.
    7,10June 15 Congress completes action on reconciliation legislation.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · TimetableDebate in the Senate on any reconciliation bill reported under subsection (b), and all amendments thereto and debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 20 hours.[10] 2 U.S.C. 641 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (e)(2)
  3. May through September

    Congress passes the yearly spending bills

    Money can be spent only when a law says it is appropriated.
    3A law may be construed to make an appropriation out of the Treasury or to authorize making a contract for the payment of money in excess of an appropriation only if the law specifically states that an appropriation is made[3] 31 U.S.C. 1301 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (d)
     The House may start on the yearly spending bills on May 15 and is supposed to finish them by June 30.
    7May 15 Annual appropriation bills may be considered in the House.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · TimetableJune 30 House completes action on annual appropriation bills.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · Timetable
     Each bill covers a group of agencies, such as Agriculture or Defense. The President signs or vetoes them like any other bill.
    3,16Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025[16] Enrolled bill: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968, Public Law 119-4) · Div. AA law may be construed to make an appropriation out of the Treasury or to authorize making a contract for the payment of money in excess of an appropriation only if the law specifically states that an appropriation is made[3] 31 U.S.C. 1301 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (d)
  4. October 1

    The fiscal year begins

    The government's year runs from October 1 to September 30.
    1,7The fiscal year of the Treasury begins on October 1 of each year and ends on September 30 of the following year.[1] 31 U.S.C. 1102 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition)October 1 Fiscal year begins.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · Timetable
     If the spending bills are not done, Congress can pass a stopgap, called a continuing resolution, to keep money flowing for a set time.
    18The following sums are hereby appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated[18] Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Div. ASec. A106(3): January 30, 2026.[18] Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Sec. A106(3)
     If neither passes, agencies may not spend money they don't have, except for work to protect life and property. That is a shutdown.
    4,5make or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation[4] 31 U.S.C. 1341 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)(1)(A)may not accept voluntary services for either government or employ personal services exceeding that authorized by law except for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property[5] 31 U.S.C. 1342 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition)
  5. Every year, automatically

    Most spending needs no yearly vote

    Programs like Social Security are paid under permanent laws, which appropriate money for each fiscal year with no new vote.
    29hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1941, and for each fiscal year thereafter[29] 42 U.S.C. 401, Social Security trust funds (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)
     Congress changes them by passing a new law, often through reconciliation.
    10Debate in the Senate on any reconciliation bill reported under subsection (b), and all amendments thereto and debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 20 hours.[10] 2 U.S.C. 641 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (e)(2)
  6. When the budget resolution calls for it

    Reconciliation: a faster path for taxes and benefits

    A reconciliation bill carries out the budget resolution's changes to taxes and mandatory spending.
    7June 15 Congress completes action on reconciliation legislation.[7] 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · Timetable
     Senate debate on it is limited to 20 hours, so it cannot be blocked by a filibuster and can pass with a simple majority.
    10,13Debate in the Senate on any reconciliation bill reported under subsection (b), and all amendments thereto and debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 20 hours.[10] 2 U.S.C. 641 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (e)(2)Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 50. Record Vote Number: 372.[13] Official status record: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Actions, 2025-07-01
  7. Any time

    Cancelling money already approved

    The President can ask Congress to cancel money it has already approved, in a special message.
    11the President shall transmit to both Houses of Congress a special message specifying[11] 2 U.S.C. 683 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)
     If Congress does not pass a rescission bill within 45 days, the money must be released for spending.
    11shall be made available for obligation unless, within the prescribed 45-day period, the Congress has completed action on a rescission bill[11] 2 U.S.C. 683 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (b)
  8. When borrowing nears the limit

    The debt limit

    The law caps how much the Treasury may borrow. Congress raises the cap by law.
    6The face amount of obligations issued under this chapter and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) may not be more than[6] 31 U.S.C. 3101 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (b)
     The One Big Beautiful Bill Act raised it by $5,000,000,000,000.
    12The limitation under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as most recently increased by section 401(b) of Public Law 118–5 (31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased by $5,000,000,000,000.[12] Enrolled bill: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Sec. 72001

The path fiscal 2026 took

Fiscal 2026 ran from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

  1. March 15, 2025

    Last year's money is extended for the full year

    A full-year stopgap funded the rest of fiscal 2025 at the prior year's terms.
    16,17Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025[16] Enrolled bill: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968, Public Law 119-4) · Div. A2025-03-15 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-4.[17] Official status record: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968, Public Law 119-4) · Actions, 2025-03-15
  2. April 10, 2025

    Congress adopts a budget resolution

    The House voted 216 to 214 to accept the Senate's version, after votes of 217 to 215 in the House and 51 to 48 in the Senate.
    28On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 214 (Roll no. 100).[28] Official status record: H. Con. Res. 14, the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025 · Actions, 2025-04-10On agreeing to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 215 (Roll no. 50).[28] Official status record: H. Con. Res. 14, the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025 · Actions, 2025-02-25Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 48. Record Vote Number: 191.[28] Official status record: H. Con. Res. 14, the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025 · Actions, 2025-04-05
  3. July 4, 2025

    A reconciliation law changes taxes and benefits

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed 51 to 50 in the Senate and 218 to 214 in the House, and became law on July 4, 2025.
    13Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 50. Record Vote Number: 372.[13] Official status record: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Actions, 2025-07-01On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 - 214 (Roll no. 190).[13] Official status record: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Actions, 2025-07-032025-07-04 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-21.[13] Official status record: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Actions, 2025-07-04
  4. July 24, 2025

    Congress cancels some approved money

    The Rescissions Act of 2025 cancelled money the President asked to cancel on June 3, 2025. It passed 214 to 212 and 51 to 48.
    14,15To rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025[14] Enrolled bill: Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4, Public Law 119-28) · TitleOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 212 (Roll no. 168).[15] Official status record: Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4, Public Law 119-28) · Actions, 2025-06-12Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 48. Record Vote Number: 411.[15] Official status record: Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4, Public Law 119-28) · Actions, 2025-07-172025-07-24 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-28.[15] Official status record: Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4, Public Law 119-28) · Actions, 2025-07-24
  5. September 30, 2025

    The Senate rejects a stopgap twice

    The House passed a stopgap 217 to 212, but it fell short of 60 votes in the Senate on September 19 and again on September 30, 2025.
    19On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 212 (Roll no. 281).[19] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Actions, 2025-09-192025-09-19 | Library of Congress | Failed of passage/not agreed to in Senate: Under the order of 9/18/2025, not having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative[19] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Actions, 2025-09-192025-09-30 | Library of Congress | Failed of passage/not agreed to in Senate: Upon reconsideration, under the order of 9/18/2025, not having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative[19] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Actions, 2025-09-30
  6. November 12, 2025

    Funding returns

    No funding law was in place from October 1 until November 12, 2025, when a revised version passed 60 to 40 in the Senate and became law. It included full-year bills for Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.
    1,18,19The fiscal year of the Treasury begins on October 1 of each year and ends on September 30 of the following year.[1] 31 U.S.C. 1102 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition)Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 60 - 40. Record Vote Number: 618.[19] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Actions, 2025-11-102025-11-12 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-37.[19] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Actions, 2025-11-12Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026[18] Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Div. B
  7. January 23, 2026

    Three more full-year bills

    Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior became law on January 23, 2026, after votes of 397 to 28 and 82 to 15.
    21On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 397 - 28 (Roll no. 7).[21] Official status record: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938, Public Law 119-74) · Actions, 2026-01-08Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 82 - 15. Record Vote Number: 11.[21] Official status record: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938, Public Law 119-74) · Actions, 2026-01-152026-01-23 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-74.[21] Official status record: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938, Public Law 119-74) · Actions, 2026-01-23
  8. February 3, 2026

    Five more, in one law

    The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 became law on February 3, 2026. It also extended the stopgap for what was left to February 13, 2026.
    22,232026-02-03 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-75.[23] Official status record: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148, Public Law 119-75) · Actions, 2026-02-03is amended by striking the date specified in section 106(3) and inserting February 13, 2026.[22] Enrolled bill: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148, Public Law 119-75) · Sec. H101
  9. April 30, 2026

    Homeland Security, the last of the year

    The Homeland Security bill became law on April 30, 2026, the last of the year's full-year bills.
    252026-04-30 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-86.[25] Official status record: Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7147, Public Law 119-86) · Actions, 2026-04-30

The twelve spending bills for 2026

Congress writes the yearly spending in twelve parts, one for each pair of House and Senate subcommittees. For 2026 they became law in four separate laws.

Fiscal 2027 so far

None of the twelve full-year spending bills for 2027 has become law yet. Until they do, the government runs on a stopgap that lasts through December 11, 2026.

  1. April 3, 2026

    The President's request is published

    The fiscal 2027 request was published on April 3, 2026.
    30Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President 2026-04-03[30] Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2027: GovInfo publication record (Office of Management and Budget) · GovInfo recordFiscal Year 2027[30] Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2027: GovInfo publication record (Office of Management and Budget) · Title
  2. September 2, 2026

    A stopgap through December 11

    The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027 passed the Senate 90 to 6 and became law on September 2, 2026. It funds the government until December 11, 2026, unless full-year bills pass first.
    26,27CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2027[26] Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500, Public Law 119-103) · Div. APassed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 90 - 6.[27] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500, Public Law 119-103) · Actions, 2026-08-082026-09-02 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-103.[27] Official status record: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500, Public Law 119-103) · Actions, 2026-09-02Sec. A106(3): December 11, 2026.[26] Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500, Public Law 119-103) · Sec. A106(3)

See where the money goes

Sources

All 30 sources
  1. 31 U.S.C. 1102 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  2. 31 U.S.C. 1105 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  3. 31 U.S.C. 1301 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  4. 31 U.S.C. 1341 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  5. 31 U.S.C. 1342 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  6. 31 U.S.C. 3101 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  7. 2 U.S.C. 631 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  8. 2 U.S.C. 632 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  9. 2 U.S.C. 633 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  10. 2 U.S.C. 641 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  11. 2 U.S.C. 683 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  12. Enrolled bill: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  13. Official status record: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  14. Enrolled bill: Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4, Public Law 119-28) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  15. Official status record: Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4, Public Law 119-28) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  16. Enrolled bill: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968, Public Law 119-4) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  17. Official status record: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968, Public Law 119-4) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  18. Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  19. Official status record: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, Public Law 119-37) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  20. Enrolled bill: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938, Public Law 119-74) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  21. Official status record: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938, Public Law 119-74) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  22. Enrolled bill: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148, Public Law 119-75) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  23. Official status record: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148, Public Law 119-75) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  24. Enrolled bill: Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7147, Public Law 119-86) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  25. Official status record: Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7147, Public Law 119-86) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  26. Enrolled bill: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500, Public Law 119-103) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  27. Official status record: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500, Public Law 119-103) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  28. Official status record: H. Con. Res. 14, the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025 · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  29. 42 U.S.C. 401, Social Security trust funds (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  30. Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2027: GovInfo publication record (Office of Management and Budget) · Federal agency · retrieved Oct 28, 2026

Checked against its sources on October 28, 2026.