Anti-Deficiency Act

The U.S. Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from obligating or expending federal funds when those funds have not been appropriated by Congress.

In federal funding lapses, employees performing exempted or excepted activities necessary to carry out constitutionally mandated or other legally authorized functions may continue working without pay, while other federal employees are typically furloughed.

The Anti-Deficiency Act, first passed in the 19th century, prohibits federal agencies from obligating or spending more money than Congress has authorized or from using appropriated funds for purposes other than those for which they were allocated.