Which bill authorizes DoD programs and must be passed by both the House and Senate?

• A. House and Senate Authorization Bill
• B. Defense Authorization Act
• C. Appropriations Bill
• D. National Security Act

Answer: (A)

Authorization legislation is the mechanism that establishes DoD programs and authorities. It sets what programs may exist and what powers the department has, but it does not provide funding—you’ll see funding come later in separate appropriations bills. For a law to take effect, these authorization measures must be approved by both the House and the Senate. The Defense Authorization Act is a common example of this type of bill, but the essential point is that an authorization bill must pass both chambers to authorize DoD programs. Appropriations bills, by contrast, provide the money to carry out those authorized programs and do not authorize new programs on their own. The National Security Act is a foundational statute, not the routine annual authorization.