Two such resolutions are required before the start of a fiscal year. Additional concurrent resoltuions revising the previously established budget levels may be passed by Congress at any time. The budget as set forth by Congress in a concurrent resolution on the budget. Continuing resolutions are enacted when action on appropriations is not completed by the beginning of a fiscal year. Discretionary funds also refers to funds whose disbursement by an authorizing official is based on the discretion of such official, under general guidelines established by existing law.
Expenditures See Outlays.
The yearly accounting period without regard to its relationship to a calendar year. Mandatory Involving funds controlled by permanent laws. Included are funds required to be paid to recipients that meet eligibility requirements established by existing law. Mandatory budget authority constitutes a binding obligation on the part of the Federal Government, and eligible recipients have legal recourse if the obligation is not fulfilled. Budget authority is not necessarily provided in advance, and thus subsequent enactment of appropriations is required unless the existing appropriation is permanent.