What provides permission for a Federal program or activity to begin or continue from year to year but does not provide Budget Authority to fund the program or activity?

The authority that provides permission for a Federal program or activity to begin or continue from year to year, without providing Budget Authority to fund it, is known as "program authorization." This authorization establishes the legal basis for the program but does not include the appropriated funds necessary for its operation. Budget Authority, which is required to allocate funds, must be provided separately through the appropriations process.