Document Type

Response or Comment

Publication Date

Fall 10-9-2023

Abstract

Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution of the United States reads, “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.” Article I, Section 8 continues to name the powers of Congress, most essentially, “to lay and collect taxes… to borrow Money… and to coin Money.” In the United States, the power of the purse resolutely rests in the legislature’s hands, but this power does not come without restraint. The final clause of Article I, Section 9 states, “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” As such, Congress must annually submit appropriations bills prior to the beginning of each fiscal year in order to provide funds for all government operations. But what happens when Congress neglects that duty?

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