Laboratory equipment is also included. Budget authority is the initial budget parameter for congressional action on the President's proposed budget. Budget authority is the legal authorization to expend funds. Obligations represent orders placed, contracts awarded, services received, and similar transactions during a given period, regardless of when the funds were appropriated and when the future payment of money is required. Outlays represent checks issued and cash payments made during a given period, regardless of when the funds were appropriated or obligated.
Some surveys refer to outlays as expenditures.