Authorization

Legislation that establishes or continues the legal operation of a Federal program or agency, either indefinitely or for a specific period of time, or that sanctions a particular type of expenditure. An authorization normally is a prerequisite for an appropriation or other kind of budget authority. An authorization also may limit the amount of budget authority to be provided, or may authorize the appropriation of "such sums as may be necessary."

Authorization Path: 1.1.1.1.55.0