Appropriations and Budget

Each year, Congress negotiates how to spend U.S. taxpayer dollars through a process called appropriations. Of the $4 trillion U.S. federal budget, about 1% is appropriated, or allocated for spending by Congress, to foreign assistance. Half of that 1% is directed toward poverty-reducing humanitarian and development aid. The House and Senate ultimately decide on funding levels for our budget. Following the Administration’s budget release, Congress develops and negotiates their proposals, and it is important for interested stakeholders to share their priorities.

This document is designed to provide background information to help you communicate with the offices of your members of Congress about the Appropriations process and its connections to global poverty.

Reference the annual chart of budget accounts for congressional offices that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and CRS advocate for to address global poverty and share it in your communications with Congress.

Read examples of the impact of U.S. funding in programs CRS has implemented or continues to program by each key account with this document. This document  can be shared in English with Congress either before or after a congressional visit on appropriations.

Download the PDF or watch the video to learn more.