- Public Law 113-6 was signed into law on March 26, 2013, enacting the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013 – carried by Rep. Harold Rogers. To lock in sequestration for 2013, provide funding for most federal agencies at 2012 levels, and result in grants funded via formula to be reduced by at least 5% due to sequestration, among other, expansive changes. A “constitutional authority statement” accompanying this 241-page public law was published in the Congressional Record, which stated:
“The principal constitutional authority for this legislation is clause 7 of section 9 of article I of the Constitution of the United States (the appropriation power), which states:
“No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law . . . .” In addition, clause 1 of section 8 of article I of the Constitution (the spending power) provides: “The Congress shall have the Power . . . to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States . . . .” Together, these specific constitutional provisions establish the congressional power of the purse, granting Congress the authority to appropriate funds, to determine their purpose, amount, and period of availability, and to set forth terms and conditions governing their use.”
(See Cong. Record, 04/04/2013, page H949)