Mandatory Spending Has Increased Almost Five Times Faster Than Discretionary Spending

Federal Revenue and Spending: A Book of Charts

Introduction
Contents
Federal Revenue
Taxes & Tax Rates
Federal Spending
Budget Comparisons
Projected Spending
Download
About

Mandatory Spending Has Increased Almost Five Times Faster Than Discretionary Spending

Discretionary spending, the portion of the budget subject to annual review or budget debate, has risen 152 percent since 1965. Mandatory spending, consisting mostly of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which run on autopilot, has risen 759 percent since 1965.

Total Discretionary Spending vs. Mandatory Spending, 1965–2007, in Billions

Federal Revenue & Spending Chart Graphic Featuring Discretionary and Mandatory Spending

Mandatory Spending Has Increased Almost Five Times Faster Than Discretionary Spending

Total Discretionary Spending vs. Mandatory Spending, 1965–2007, in Billions

Source: Outlays from FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.1.