Appropriations Law

The Red Book: Principles of Federal Appropriations Law

Principles of Federal Appropriations Law, published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) — also known as the Red Book — is a multi-volume treatise concerning federal fiscal law. The Red Book provides text discussion with specific legal authorities to illustrate appropriations principles, their application, and exceptions. These references include GAO decisions and opinions, judicial decisions, statutory provisions, and other relevant sources.

The  Red Book currently (as of November 2020) consists of Chapters 1-3 (of the 4th Edition) and Chapters 5-15 (of the 3rd Edition).   Updates can be checked at:  https://www.gao.gov/legal/appropriations-law-decisions/red-book.

 

Chapters Titles   Links
4th Edition, Chapter 1 Introduction 4th Edition, Chapter 1 
4th Edition, Chapter 2 The Legal Framework 4th Edition, Chapter 2
4th Edition, Chapter 3 Availability of
Appropriations: Purpose

4th Edition, Chapter 3
2017 Revision
4th Edition, Chapter 4 Coming soon
3rd Edition, Chapter 5 Availability of
Appropriations: Time
3rd Edition, Volume 1
Annual Update
3rd Edition, Chapter 6 Availability of
Appropriations: Amount
 

3rd Edition, Volume II
Annual Update

3rd Edition, Chapter 7 Obligation of Appropriations
3rd Edition, Chapter 8 Continuing Resolutions
3rd Edition, Chapter 9 Liability and Relief of
Accountable Officers
3rd Edition, Chapter 10 Federal Assistance:
Grants and Cooperative Agreements
3rd Edition, Chapter 11 Federal Assistance:
Guaranteed and Insured Loans
3rd Edition, Chapter 12 Acquisition of Goods and Services
3rd Edition Volume III

Annual Update
3rd Edition, Chapter 13 Real Property
3rd Edition, Chapter 14 Claims Against and By the Government
3rd Edition, Chapter 15 Miscellaneous Topics