<P> A conference committee is typically required to resolve differences between House and Senate appropriation bills . Once a conference bill has passed both chambers of Congress, it is sent to the President, who may sign the bill or veto it . If he signs, the bill becomes law . Otherwise, Congress must pass another bill to avoid a shutdown of at least part of the federal government . </P> <P> In recent years, Congress has not passed all of the appropriations bills before the start of the fiscal year . Congress may then enact continuing resolutions that provide for the temporary funding of government operations . Failure to appropriate funds results in a partial government shutdown, such the federal government shutdown in October 2013 . </P> <P> In practice, the separation between policy making and funding and the division between appropriations and authorization activities are imperfect . Authorizations for many programs have long lapsed, yet still receive appropriated amounts, while other programs that are authorized receive no funds at all . In addition, policy language, which is legislative text changing permanent law, is included in appropriation measures . </P> <P> Each function within the budget may include "budget authority" and "outlays" that fall within the broad categories of discretionary spending or direct spending . </P>

When is the last time the us passed a budget