Principles of Federal Appropriations Law (Red Book)

The Principles of Federal Appropriations Law, commonly referred to as the Red Book, is a multi-volume treatise published by GAO concerning federal fiscal law.  The publication provides text discussion with reference to specific legal authorities to illustrate the principles discussed, their application, and exceptions.  The legal authorities include GAO decisions and opinions, judicial decisions, statutory provisions, and other relevant sources.

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Third Edition

Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Third Edition, Volume I
GAO-04-261SP, January 1, 2004
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 640 pages)   Accessible Text
Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Third Edition, Volume II
GAO-06-382SP, February 1, 2006
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 727 pages)
Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Third Edition, Volume III
GAO-08-978SP, September 1, 2008
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 898 pages)   Accessible Text
Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Third Edition: Index and Table of Authorities (Supersedes GAO-06-1059SP)
GAO-09-576SP, August 6, 2010
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 382 pages)  


Interactive Index and Table of Authorities

Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Annual Update of the Third Edition (Volumes I, II and III)
GAO-10-424SP, March 11, 2010
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 157 pages)

Second Edition

Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Second Edition, Volume III - no longer updated since topics covered are no longer GAO’s responsibility 
OGC-94-33, November 1, 1994
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 611 pages)  
Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Second Edition, Volume V – Index and Table of Authorities for Second Edition; use to research Volume III, Second Edition
GAO-02-271SP, April 1, 2002
Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 436 pages)