"Discretion" in this usage is a synonym for 'choice.'
It means that whatever it that needs the loney, 'they' can choose to fund it, and if so, how much they will spend on it. OR - they may choose NOT to fund it. It is totally at "their" discretion (i.e.: choice).
Mandatory funding is set by laws and must be spent on specific programs, like Social Security. Discretionary funding is decided by Congress each year and can be adjusted. Mandatory funding limits flexibility in budgeting, while discretionary funding allows for more control over spending priorities.
Mandatory funding is money that the government is required by law to spend on certain programs, such as entitlements like Social Security. Discretionary funding, on the other hand, is money that the government can choose how to allocate, such as for defense or education. Mandatory funding can limit flexibility in budgeting, as it must be spent as mandated by law, while discretionary funding allows for more flexibility in decision-making. The mix of mandatory and discretionary funding can impact government budgeting priorities and overall spending decisions.
No one person decides which federal programs will receive discretionary funding during a given fiscal year. Instead, this is decided by a committee of nonpartisan experts from multiple fields.
The largest category of discretionary spending in the U.S. federal budget is typically defense spending, encompassing funding for the military, national security, and related programs. Three additional examples of discretionary spending include education funding, transportation infrastructure, and housing assistance programs. These expenditures are subject to annual appropriations by Congress, reflecting policy priorities and economic conditions.
No, food stamps are not considered discretionary spending; they fall under mandatory spending. Discretionary spending refers to the portion of the budget that is decided through the annual appropriations process, such as funding for education and defense. In contrast, mandatory spending includes programs like food stamps (SNAP), Social Security, and Medicare, which are required by law and do not require annual approval.
Discretionary income is calculated by taking your gross income minus your expenses and what you are left with is discretionary income. Most Americans do not have a large amount of discretionary income.
business discretionary powers
Discretionary user lay between expert and novice users
The ability of government officials to increase or decrease funding, budgets, or resources is referred to as "discretionary authority" or "discretionary spending." This authority allows officials to make decisions on how to allocate funds based on priorities and needs. It is often subject to legislative oversight and can vary depending on the specific laws and regulations governing the budget process.
Projects where management has a choice in implementing them are called discretionary projects. Projects where no choice exists are called nondiscretionary projects.
There are a great many examples in the world of discretionary spending. Discretionary spending can be as simple as choosing whether you want to spend your money on ice cream.
The portion of discretionary spending typically spent on defense varies. If a country is at war, the discretionary spending percentage will be higher for defense.