It's a matter of whether its a multi-year appropriate or annual appropriation. And it matters if its a mandatory or a desrectionary program that has the authorization of congress, and how it has been set up to be funded.
Even though a program is authorized by law, it doesn't guarantee it will be funded, or how much will be funded in a fiscal years appropriations act.
Multi-year appropriations mean I don't have to spend it all in one year or lose it. Annual appropriations do mean I either have to spend it or give it back, where the funds go back into the general fund, or they are de-obligated, which means disbursement from the Treasury, no additional Treasury securities issued, and a slightly lower deficit
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Penalty? No, not as such. If Congress and the President agree and authorize money for a specific beneficial purpose, than they expect the funds to get spent to achieve that goodness. FYI , this link shows what can happen when money is set a side to fund something and the agency involved doesn't get it spent to achieve a benefit.
http://fcw.com/articles/2012/06/07/c...ral-funds.aspx
OMG-did you catch me sober or what :-)



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Maybe we should start a Bob's Bourbon Bill Benefit Ball.