What defines discretionary spending in the federal budget?

Discretionary spending in the federal budget refers to expenditures that are determined through the annual appropriations process. This type of spending is not mandated by existing laws; instead, it is subject to annual adjustments and decisions made by Congress during the budgetary process. Each year, Congress decides how much funding to allocate for various government programs and services, such as education, defense, and research. This flexibility allows lawmakers to prioritize spending according to current needs and policy goals.

In contrast, other types of spending, like mandatory spending, are driven by existing laws and are typically fixed, meaning they require no new legislative action each year. Discretionary spending thus plays a significant role in determining the government's response to emerging challenges and opportunities, as well as shaping future policy direction.