Question

Which of the following is considered a discretionary spending item in the U.S. federal budget?

a. Medicare benefits
b. Interest payments on debt
c. Social Security benefits
d. Defense spending

Answer 1

Defense spending is considered a discretionary spending item in the U.S. federal budget, as it requires annual authorization from Congress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The item in the U.S. federal budget that is considered a discretionary spending item is d. Defense spending. While mandatory spending is federal spending that continues based on existing laws and includes items such as Social Security benefits, Medicare benefits, and interest payments on debt, discretionary spending can vary from year to year and requires annual authorization by Congress. Defense spending is a part of discretionary spending, as Congress appropriates funds every year for military bases, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other defense-related expenses.