Mandatory Spending Consumes Growing Share of Total Spending

Since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid by President Johnson in 1965, total mandatory spending has nearly doubled. As baby boomers retire and become eligible for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, entitlements eventually will crowd out all others.

Federal Spending for Mandatory and Discretionary Programs, 1965–2008, as Percentage of GDP

Source: Outlay Data from FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.3.