What terms are related to discretionary spending?

Related terms include: Mandatory Spending, Appropriation. Understanding these related concepts helps provide context for discretionary spending.

Budget & Spending

Discretionary Spending

Definition

Federal spending that Congress sets annually through the appropriations process, including defense, education, and infrastructure.

Related Terms

Mandatory Spending

Federal spending required by existing law, including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Makes up about two-thirds of the federal budget.

Appropriation

An act of Congress that provides the legal authority for federal agencies to incur obligations and make payments from the Treasury for specified purposes.

More Budget & Spending Terms

Debt Ceiling Government Shutdown Mandatory Spending Entitlement Fiscal Year Budget Resolution

Common Questions

What does "Discretionary Spending" mean?: Federal spending that Congress sets annually through the appropriations process, including defense, education, and infrastructure.
What terms are related to discretionary spending?: Related terms include: Mandatory Spending, Appropriation. Understanding these related concepts helps provide context for discretionary spending.