How Much Federal Spending Is Uncontrollable?
Publication Date: July 2007
Publisher: Tax Policy Center
Author(s): Rudolph G. Penner; Julianna Koch
Research Area: Government
Keywords: Elderly; Economy; Federal Budgets & Fiscal Policy; Health Insurance and Medicare
Type: Report
Abstract:
Discussions of the federal budget often refer to mandatory spending ? on Social Security, Medicare, and similar programs ? as "uncontrollable." In contrast with discretionary programs that Congress usually funds with annual appropriations, entitlement spending is determined by permanent laws specifying who qualifies for what benefits. This article examines changes in the percentage distribution of federal outlays since 1962. It highlights the rapid growth in mandatory spending driven by increased spending for health and retirement programs and the contrasting decline in defense spending as a share of total spending.
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