; and (B) when used with respect to a State, means a consecutive, 3-month period in a fiscal year in which the State average unemployment rate is not less than 0.5 percentage points above the lowest State average unemployment rate for the 12-month period preceding such 3-month period. (2) Qualifying spending requirements The term qualifying spending requirements means the requirements that a State not disproportionately decrease spending for any of the categories described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 499D(c) relative to such State’s overall, average decrease in spending for the 3 consecutive preceding fiscal years. (3) National average unemployment rate The term national average unemployment rate means the average (seasonally adjusted) rate of total unemployment in all States for a consecutive, 3-month period in a fiscal year, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. (4) State average unemployment rate The term State average unemployment rate means the average (seasonally adjusted) rate of total unemployment in a State for a consecutive, 3-month period in a fiscal year, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. 499G. Appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated to carry out this subpart (in addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out this subpart and out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated), such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024 and each succeeding fiscal year. 499H. Definitions In this subpart: (1) Apprenticeship The term apprenticeship means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act ; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663