The Red Book: Principles of Federal Appropriations Law
Principles of Federal Appropriations Law, published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) — also known as the Red Book — is a multi-volume treatise concerning federal fiscal law. The Red Book provides text discussion with specific legal authorities to illustrate appropriations principles, their application, and exceptions. These references include GAO decisions and opinions, judicial decisions, statutory provisions, and other relevant sources.
The Red Book consists of Chapters 1-3 (of the 4th Edition) and Chapters 5-15 (of the 3rd Edition). As GAO updates these chapters, Appropriations.com will update this table of contents and provide new links. GAO no longer publishes a separate Annual Update.
Learn more about the Fourth Edition.
| Chapters | Titles | Links |
| 4th Edition, Chapter 1 | Introduction | 4th Edition, Chapter 1 |
| 4th Edition, Chapter 2 | The Legal Framework | 4th Edition, Chapter 2 |
| 4th Edition, Chapter 3 | Availability of Appropriations: Purpose |
4th Edition, Chapter 3 2017 Revision |
| 4th Edition, Chapter 4 | Coming soon | Coming soon |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 5 | Availability of Appropriations: Time |
3rd Edition, Volume 1 Annual Update |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 6 | Availability of Appropriations: Amount |
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| 3rd Edition, Chapter 7 | Obligation of Appropriations | |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 8 | Continuing Resolutions | |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 9 | Liability and Relief of Accountable Officers |
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| 3rd Edition, Chapter 10 | Federal Assistance: Grants and Cooperative Agreements |
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| 3rd Edition, Chapter 11 | Federal Assistance: Guaranteed and Insured Loans |
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| 3rd Edition, Chapter 12 | Acquisition of Goods and Services | 3rd Edition Volume III Annual Update |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 13 | Real Property | |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 14 | Claims Against and By the Government | |
| 3rd Edition, Chapter 15 | Miscellaneous Topics |