The power of the purse: How appropriators have outsized influence in shaping policy

In governance, few instruments hold as much power to shape public policy and drive progress as appropriations bills. Each year, Congress wields this legislative tool to allocate public funds and, in doing so, influences the direction and priorities of the nation. Beyond mere budgetary consideration, appropriations bills serve as catalysts for change, allowing lawmakers to translate their vision into tangible policies. Often overlooked or overshadowed by high-profile debates, appropriations bills are where Congress truly flexes its policymaking muscles and charts the course for America’s future. As Congress mires deeper into political differences, the appropriations process becomes the tip of the spear for legislating, as members attach everything from small authorizing changes to wholesale authorization bills in year-end packages.

At its core, the purpose of the appropriations process is to allocate resources. By deciding how federal funds are distributed across government agencies and programs, Congress effectively determines the  nation’s policy priorities. Whether legislators invest in education, national security, infrastructure, or biomedical research, appropriations bills direct resources to areas where lawmakers believe they will have the greatest impact. Through these funding decisions, Congress has the power to shape policy and respond to the needs of the American people.

Appropriations bills are not simply about disbursing funds; they also serve as critical vehicles for accountability and oversight. Lawmakers use the appropriations process to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs. Through hearings, oversight, and established reporting requirements, Congress evaluates the performance of agencies and scrutinizes how taxpayer dollars are being spent. This oversight function ensures that policies are implemented effectively and that funds are used based on congressional intent.

The passage of appropriations bills necessitates legislative collaboration and compromise. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Appropriations committees. As lawmakers from different parties and ideological backgrounds come together to negotiate funding levels and programmatic priorities, they must engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground — or inflict a continuing resolution or government shutdown. This give-and-take process fosters bipartisan cooperation, forcing elected officials to transcend political divides and work toward shared goals. By embracing this spirit of collaboration, Congress has the opportunity to move beyond partisan gridlock and find commonsense solutions.

The flexibility of appropriations bills allows Congress to respond to evolving societal challenges and needs. By adopting bills on an annual basis, lawmakers can shape policies and allocations to reflect the current state of the nation. Further, options to add funding quickly through supplemental appropriations bills, or to “claw back” unspent funding authority through rescission bills, allow lawmakers to remain nimble and responsive.

Appropriations bills are not mere financial documents; they are powerful instruments for driving policy and progress. They provide an avenue for Congress to set national priorities, provide oversight and accountability, encourage collaboration, and foster flexibility. By recognizing the profound impact of appropriations bills and their potential to effect change, we can ensure that Congress approaches the process with dedication, transparency, and a commitment to our national priorities. We would do better to embrace the significance of these bills, and of the Appropriations committees, as they hold the potential to shape our future.

Leslie Belcher served as chief of staff to House Rules Chairman and House Appropriations Vice-Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.). Rowan Bost served as a legislative aide for Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-Maine). Both currently work at Steptoe and Johnson, LLP.