Definition of Mandatory Spending

What is "mandatory spending"? What is the definition of the term "mandatory spending"?

"Mandatory spending" is government expenditures that are "automatically obligated by virtue of previously-enacted laws".

This compares to "discretionary spending", which is spending that is set on a yearly basis by Congress.

Some examples of "mandatory spending" expenditures in the United States are:

-Social Security
-Medicare
-Interest on National Debt
-Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program

"Mandatory spending" makes up the majority of US government expenditures.


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