Federal appropriations refer to the process by which the U.S. Congress allocates funds to various government departments and programs. This process is essential for determining how taxpayer money is spent on services such as education, defense, and healthcare. Each year, Congress creates a budget that outlines these allocations, which must be approved before any funds can be distributed. The appropriations process involves several steps, including the drafting of bills, committee reviews, and votes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once approved, these appropriations ensure that federal agencies, like the Department of Education or the Department of Defense, have the necessary resources to operate effectively.