7.2 - Taxing and Spending Bills

Where do bills dealing with revenue begin?

• in the House

• in the Senate

• in either the House or Senate

• in both the House and Senate concurrently

In what committee does almost all important work on tax laws occur?

• Rules Committee

• Ways and Means Committee

• Appropriations Committee

• Joint Economic Committee

After tax bills are passed by the House, who has the authority to amend them?

• the president

• a conference committee of the House and Senate

• the Joint Committee on Taxation

• the Senate

To get funding for a program, Congress uses an authorization bill to

• attach the funding request to another bill.

• grant the money to pay for the program.

• specify how much money the program can use.

• request the money from the Treasury.

Unlike an authorization bill, an appropriations bill

• sets up a government program.

• must pass first in the funding process.

• does not become part of the larger federal budget.

• makes money available to be spent.

Veterans' pensions and Social Security payments are examples of

• entitlements.

• controllable expenses.

• earmarks.

• taxes.

To request funding for a new firehouse in her home district, what would a member of Congress include in a funding bill?

• a resolution

• an earmark

• a rider

• an appropriation

The national government gets most of its revenues from

• selling Treasury securities.

• taxes.

• state and local governments.

• congressional appropriations.

When the House and Senate cannot agree on appropriations bills, what can Congress pass to keep the government operating?

• a continuing resolution

• an entitlement bill

• a new tax bill

• an increase in the debt ceiling

In a debate of a bill on the House floor, what does an open rule allow to happen?

• The debate may be televised.

• Members of the executive branch may participate.

• House members may offer amendments.

• Outside experts on the subject may be invited to participate.