Words to know

Short, plain meanings for the words used on the flow pages. Each one links to the step where it matters.

Appropriation

A law that lets the government spend a set amount of money for a purpose. No money can leave the Treasury without one. Step: Appropriations: the money decision · More in the full glossary

Budget authority

The permission an agency gets from an appropriation to make promises to pay (obligations). It is permission, not cash. Step: Agencies

Obligation

A promise to pay, like signing a contract or approving a grant. The money is set aside but not paid yet. Step: Obligations: the promise to pay · More in the full glossary

Outlay

The actual payment, when money leaves the Treasury. Obligation first, outlay later. Step: Obligations: the promise to pay

Committee

A small group of lawmakers who study one topic, hold hearings, and decide which bills move forward. Step: Committee review

Markup

When a committee goes through a bill line by line and changes its words before voting on it. Step: Committee review

Roll call

A vote where each member's yes or no is recorded by name, so anyone can look it up. Step: Floor debate and vote · More in the full glossary

Filibuster

In the Senate, talking or delaying to block a vote. It takes 60 votes (cloture) to end it on most bills. Step: Floor debate and vote · More in the full glossary

Veto and override

A veto is when the President (or a governor) rejects a bill. Congress can override it with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Step: Floor debate and vote · More in the full glossary

FEC

The Federal Election Commission. It collects reports on who gives money to federal campaigns and makes them public. Step: Campaign donations

PAC

A political action committee: a group that collects money and gives it to candidates or spends it on elections. Step: Campaign donations · More in the full glossary

Fiscal year

The government's money year. For the U.S. it runs October 1 to September 30. Step: Treasury: where the money is held · More in the full glossary

ZCTA

ZIP Code Tabulation Area: the Census Bureau's version of a ZIP code, used for population and income counts. Step: People & ZIP codes

Looking for another word? See the full glossary.