Federal Appropriations Reform Act

Federal Appropriations Reform Act - Title I: Change of Fiscal Year - Provides that beginning June 30, 1974, the fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year.

Sets April 15 as the date for the submission to Congress of the President's budget and economic messages and economic reports.

Title II: Separate Consideration of Appropriations Measures - Provides that the legislative period of Congress shall open on January 3 for exclusive consideration of legislative matters, August 15, and set a specific date by which all authorizations bills must be enacted.

Provides that the fiscal period of Congress shall convene thereafter, at a date set by joint resolution upon the adjournment of the legislative period, for the exclusive consideration of appropriation bills.

Provides that the fiscal period can last no longer than December 1. Directs that during both periods, all committees, legislative and appropriation, shall meet to consider matters under their jurisdiction. Allows them to hold hearings and conduct studies, but states only legislative committees can report bills or resolutions to the floor during a legislative period, while only appropriations committees can report bills to the floor during the fiscal period.

Provides the following exceptions: (1) Congress can make supplemental or deficiency appropriations during a legislative period; (2) the president of the United States or the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, acting jointly, may notify Congress that the consideration of specific bills is necessary because of a national emergency; and (3) during either the legislative or fiscal period, the Congress may consider overriding a veto by the President.